\   [ 


BV  4811  .T4  1847^ 
Temple,  Ebenezer. 
The  Christian's  daily 
treasury 


1_. 


THE 


CHRISTIAN'S 

DAILY    TREASURY: 

A  RELIGIOUS   EXERCISE 

FOR 

EVERY    DAY    IN    THE    YEAR. 


EBENEZER   TEMPLE 

ROCHFORD,    ESSEX. 


"  The  people  shall  go  out  and  gather  a  certain  rate  every  day. 
"  Giye  attendance  to  reading,  to  exhortation,  to  doctrine." 


PROM  TEE  SECOND  REVISED  LONDON  EDITION. 


BOSTON: 
GOULD,  KENDALL   AND   LINCOLN, 

59     WASHINGTON     STREET, 

1847. 


boston; 

Printed  by  S.  X.  Dickinson  A  Co. 

52  WasViington  Street- 


PREFACE 


SECOND     EDITION. 

The  Author,  in  presenting  to  the  public  a  Second  Edition 
of  "  The  Christian's  Daily  Treasury,"  cannot  but  feel  grati- 
fied at  the  favorable  reception  which  his  work  has  met  with. 
He  hopes  the  many  improvements  he  has  endeavored  to 
make  in  this  Edition,  in  the  way  of  style  and  arrangement, 
will  still  further  recommend  it  to  their  notice.  The  religious 
sentiments  and  views  of  truth  Avhich  the  Work  contains,  he 
trusts,  are  in  strict  accordance  witli  the  statements  of  the 
Divine  oracles.  In  the  treatment  of  the  various  subjects,  he 
has  carefully  endeavored  to  avoid  every  thing  like  a  sectarian 
or  party  spirit.  He  has  aimed,  as  well  as  he  was  able,  to 
condense  in  each  exercise  the  leading  features  and  ground- 
work of  a  Sermon.  In  this  respect  it  differs  from  the  gener- 
ality of  works  of  a  somewhat  similar  style  already  extant ;  as 
they,  for  the  most  part,  consist  of  reflections  on  a  certain  por- 
tion of  Scripture ;  but  this  more  particularly  forms  the  out- 
lines or  materials  for  reflection  and  meditation.     He  hopes 


IV  PREFACE   TO    THE    SECOND   EDITION. 

they  will  be  found  acceptable  to  the  Christian,  in  his  daily 
walk  with  God ;  to  the  heads  of  families,  in  conducting 
domestic  worship  ;  as  a  companion  for  the  sick  chamber ; 
and,  without  any  wish  to  assume  too  much,  he  would  cherish 
the  hope  that  they  might  be  found  useful  to  those  who  are 
just  commencing  the  woi'k  of  the  ministry  ;  or  to  lay-preach- 
ers, whose  daily  avocations  preclude  them  fi'om  devoting 
much  time  to  the  study  of  sermons.  To  improve  the  present 
Edition,  he  has  introduced  two  Indices  —  one  consisting  of 
an  alphabetical  ai'rangement  of  subjects,  and  the  other  an 
Index  of  Texts — which  he  hopes  will  be  found  usefuh 

"  The  Christian's  Daily  Treasury "  is  again  presented  to 
the  candid  reader,  Avith  sincei'e  and  earnest  supplications  to 
the  King  and  Head  of  the  Church,  for  a  blessing  on  its  con- 
tents ;  so  that  it  may  be  what  it  is  intended,  a  daily  treasury 
for  the  Christian,  out  of  which  he  may  draw  things  new 
and  old. 


THE 


CHRISTIAN'S   DAILY   TREASURY. 


JANUARY    1. 

iSEW  YEAR'S   REFLECTIONS. 

"Now  they  began  ou  the  first  day  of  the  first  month  to  sanctify." — 2  Chi-on.  xxix.  17. 

This  chapter  ^jresents  us  Avith  an  historical  account  of  many 
pleasing  circumstances  in  the  commencement  of  Ilezekiah's 
reign.  It  was  a  time  of  reformation  and  sanctifying  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord.  ^Ve  have  here  a  great  work,  and  the  pe- 
riod of  its  performance.  God  is  to  be  sanctified  by  us,  in  our 
thoughts,  affections,  plans,  and  purposes,  and  in  all  our  ways. 
We  are  to  sanctify  his  name,  his  day,  his  house,  and  ordin- 
ances. There  is  something  peculiarly  interesting  in  the  be- 
ginning of  a  new  year.  Let  us  contemplate  the  manner  in 
Avhich  it  becomes  us  to  enter  upon  it. 

With  unfeigned  gratitude.  A  retrospect  of  past 
mercies,  deliverances,  and  supports,  will  produce  this.  There- 
fore, erect  another  "  stone  of  remembrance  "  at  this  new  stage 
of  your  journey,  and  exclaim,  "  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped 
us." 

With  self-examination.  There  are  many  who  are  con- 
versant with  the  general  subjects  of  religion,  while  they  are 
1* 


6  DISCERNING    TIME. 

strangers  to  tlieir  own  hearts.  They  will,  at  particular  sea- 
sons, balance  their  accounts,  and  endeavor  to  ascertain  the 
state  of  their  temporal  concerns,  while  they  feel  no  anxiety  as 
to  their  spiritual  condition.  Bring  your  principles,  views, 
feelings,  and  desires  to  the  unerring  test  of  God's  word.  Are 
you  advancing  in  religion,  or  are  you  in  a  state  of  decay  ? 
Examine — what  have  you  learned,  experienced,  and  enjoyed 
during  the  past  year  ? 

With  greater  circumspection.  "Wrong  steps  are 
sooner  taken  than  retraced.  Many  eyes  are  upon  us  —  a 
cloud  of  witnesses  surround  us  —  snares  and  temptations  beset 
us,  and  every  thing  urges  the  apostolic  injunction,  "  See  that 
ye  walk  circumspectly." 

With  renewed  dedication.  This  act  is  first  performed 
in  conversion  — but  should  be  continually  repeated.  Let  the 
Christian  character  be  more  fully  exemplified  in  you. 

With  increasing  zeal.  We  have  much  cause  to  take 
shame  to  ourselves  that  we  have  done  so  little  in  a  work 
that  deserves  our  highest  regard,  and  demands  our  best  ener- 


"  May  we  govern  ovir  passions  with  absolute  sway, 
And  ffrow  wiser  and  better  as  life  wears  awav." 


JANUARY    2. 

DISCEENING  TIME. 

"  A  wise  man's  heart  discerneth  time. — Eccles.  viii.  5. 

How  little  are  we  impressed  with  the  revolution  of  the 
seasons,  and  the  rapid  flight  of  time.  Our  years  are  so  many 
stages  in  the  journey  of  life.  Each  stage  should  be  a  time  of 
solemn  reflection.     Observe  in  these  words 

The  character  described.  "  A  wise  man."  Who  is 
he  ?  Not  the  man  who  grasps  at  a  shadow  instead  of  seizing 
the  substance.  Not  the  worldling,  the  covetous,  the  sensual- 
ist, but  the  Christian  who  is  in  the  possession  of  true  wisdom. 
Notice 


DISCERNING   TIME.  7 

Ifs  discovery.  It  is  seen  in  the  choice  he  has  made.  He 
has  chosen  religion,  and  prefers  its  blessings  to  earth's  highest 
pleasures.  It  is  seen  in  the  object  he  pursues.  He  treads  in 
a  peculiar  path,  and  seeks  that  which  dignifies  and  ennobles. 
It  is  seen  in  the  destination  to  which  he  is  bound.  Does  not 
he  discover  true  wisdom 

"  Wio  scorns  the  trifles  of  a  day 
For  joys  that  cannot  fade  away  i" " 

Its  soicrce.  It  is  derived,  not  from  the  learning  of  the 
schools,  but  from  Him  who  is  the  fountain  of  wisdom.  James 
i.  5,  It  is  obtained  instrumentally  from  God's  word,  and 
efficiently  from  his  Spirit. 

Its  excellence,  namely,  in  its  object  and  effect.  Look  at  its 
tendency  in  life,  in  sorrow,  in  death,  and  in  the  final  consum- 
mation of  all  things. 

The  DiscRiMiNATioN.rossESSED.  The  wise  man's  heart 
is  enlightened  by  the  Spirit,  renewed  by  grace,  and  made  a 
temple  for  Jehovah.     It  discerns 

The  siciftness  of  time.  How  rapid  its  motion  !  Our  life  is 
compared  to  a  vapor,  a  swift  ship,  a  watch  in  the  night,  a  hand- 
breadth,  and  is  as  nothing  bcfoi'c  God. 

The  ravages  of  time.  The  flxce  of  nature  changes.  Wliat 
changes  in  kingdoms,  churches,  families,  and  individuals ! 
Many  show  the  ravages  of  time  in  their  silvery  locks,  and 
furrowed  cheeks. 

The  uncertainty  of  time.  How  many  are  hurried  into  eter- 
nity. Some  are  reminded  by  the  inroads  of  disease ;  but 
death  does  not  always  waini  before  he  strikes. 

The  value  of  time.  See  its  value  from  its  connection  with 
futurity,  and  the  end  for  which  it  was  given.  On  the  thread 
of  human  life  our  destinies  for  immortality  are  suspended. 
Let  me  then  redeem  the  time,  and  employ  it  to  the  best  of 
purposes,  in  making  provision  for  eternity. 

"  The  clock  of  time,  how  loud  it  strikes, 
Its  wlieels,  how  swift  they  fly  ! 
Its  fingers,  as  they  onward  move, 
Point  to  eternity." 


O  WALKING    I'.EFORE    GOD. 

JAKUARY    3. 

WALKING  BEFORE    GOD. 

"I  will  walk  before  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living." — Psalm  cxvi.  0. 

This  was  a  noble  resolution,  and  well  worthy  an  immortal 
being.  Let  us  adopt  it  as  our  own.  We  are  led  from  these 
words  to  consider  the  Chi-istian's  course. 

In  its  peculiar  nature.    "  I  will  walk  before  the  Lord." 

It  is  a  walk  of  faith  in  God.  Faith  in  the  heart  is  always 
connected  with  light  in  the  mind.  The  exercise  of  faith, 
implies  the  possession  of  knowledge.  There  must  be  faith  in 
the  being,  character,  promise,  and  covenant  of  God,  and  in 
his  Son. 

It  is  a  walk  of  communion  with  God.  Union  must  exist 
before  communion  can  be  enjoyed.  It  is  faith  that  unites  us 
to  God.  You  must  walk  with  him,  not  only  in  public  ordinan- 
ces, but  in  private  means. 

It  is  a  walk  of  depeiidence  on  God.  How  often  do  Ave 
lean  on  a  broken  reed,  instead  of  the  Eock  of  Ages  ! 

It  is  a  walk  of  devotedness  to  God.  It  includes  the  sur- 
render of  the  heart,  the  devotion  of  the  soul,  and  the  conse- 
cration of  the  life  ;  and  implies  activity,  and  progression.  But 
we  may  contemplate  the  Christian's  course 

In  its  particular  scene.  "  In  the  land  of  the  living." 
Because 

Here  the  ordinances  of  religion  are  to  he  enjoyed.  And  only 
here.  There  are  no  ordinances  in  the  grave.  "  Shall  the 
dead  praise  thee  ?  "  There  are  no  ordinances  in  hell ;  its  in- 
habitants are  beyond  the  reach  of  mercy.  There  are  no 
ordinances  in  heaven,  for  there  they  need  them  not ;  they 
have  obtained  the  end  of  their  faith.  Those  Avho  will  not  know 
God  here  in  the  riches  of  his  grace,  shall  know  him  hereafter 
in  the  terrors  of  his  justice. 

Here  the  supplies  of  grace  are  to  he  afforded.  And  only 
here.  In  hell,  there  is  a  sea  of  wrath  —  in  heaven,  tlie  river 
of  life  —  on  earth,  the  streams  of  grace. 

Here  the  hopes  of  glory  are  cherished.  And  only  here.  In 
hell,  amidst  the  vast  expanse  of  dark  despair,  no  ray  of  hope 
ever  flashes,  to  lighten  up  the  impervious  gloom.  In  heaven, 
in  the  full  blaze  of  fruition,  the  glimmerings  of  hope  are  lost ; 
for  what  a  man  seeth  Avliy  doth  he  yet  hope  for.  The  land 
of  the  living  is  the  land  of  hope  ;  let  us  then  rejoice  in  its 
beams. 


DIVINE   DKAAVIKG.  9 

JANUARY   4. 

DIVINE  DRAWING. 

"I  hare  loved  thee  \rith  an  everlasting  love:  therefore  with  loving-kindness  have 
1  di'awn  thee."'  —  Jer.  xxxi.  3. 

We  may  as  well  attempt  to  measure  the  drops  of  water 
in  the  ocean,  to  enumerate  the  grains  of  sand  on  the  shore, 
or  to  tell  the  stai's  that  bespangle  the  firmament,  as  to  esti- 
mate the  extent  of  the  love  of  God.  Though  we  cannot  fath- 
om the  depths  of  this  mighty  river,  yet  we  may  view  and  ad- 
mire its  streams  as  they  roll  on  in  their  beauty  and  grandeui'. 
This  passage  invites  us  to  the  contemplation  of  it.     Note 

The  deed.  "  I  have  drawn  thee."  What  is  here  said 
of  ancient  Israel  is  true  of  all  believers. 

From  xvhence  are  they  drawn  ?  From  a  state  of  distance 
and  alienation  from  God,  from  the  friendship  of  the  world, 
the  love  of  sin,  and  the  service  of  Satan. 

To  wliat  are  they  draxon  ?  To  God  as  the  fountain  of  all 
good,  to  Christ  as  the  Mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  to  his 
house  as  the  place  where  his  honor  dwelleth,  to  the  throne  of 
grace  as  the  medium  of  spiritual  blessings,  to  the  sacramental 
table  as  the  scene  of  their  solemn  vows,  and  to  heaven  as  the 
consummation  of  all  their  desires. 

The  manner  of  its  performance  —  "with  loving-kind- 
ness ; "  or,  as  it  is  elsewhere  expressed,  "  with  the  cords  of  a 
man,  with  bands  of  love."  He  does  it  in  a  way  of  kindness 
and  affection,  yet  powerfully  and  effectually. 

The  source  from  whence  it  springs.  "  Everlasting 
love."  This  love  is  ancient  in  its  existence,  sovereign  in  its 
disposal,  and  eternal  in  its  duration.  Immutability  is  inscribed 
on  the  brow  of  Jehovah,  but  changeableness  on  man ;  while 
men  are  as  shifting  as  the  wind,  he  is  as  firm  as  a  rock.  Let 
your  prayer  be,  "  Draw  me,  and  I  will  run  after  thee." 

Though  prone,  alas,  my  roving  heart, 
From  mj'  Redeemer  to  depart, 
And  though  I  him  have  oit  forgot, 
H.is  loving-kindness  changes  not. 


10  THE   PKESENCE   OK    CHRIST. 

JANUARY   5. 

THE  PRESENCE  OF  CHRIST. 

"  Abide  with  us."  —  Luke  xxir.  29. 

Such  was  the  language  of  the  two  disciples,  going  to  Em- 
maus,  to  the  Saviour,  whom  as  yet  they  recognized  not.  The 
circumstances  connected  with  this  part  of  the  history  of 
Christ,  are  related  in  a  most  interesting  manner,  in  the  con- 
text. The  desire  they  here  express  breathes  the  sentiments 
and  feelings  of  every  Christian's  heart.  Why  is  the  j^resence 
of  Christ  sought  after  ? 

Because  of  the  relief  it  affords.  On  earth  we 
are  called  to  pass  through  scenes  of  sorrow  and  suffering. 
What  can  administer  such  relief  as  the  presence  of  Christ  ? 
If  the  exercise  of  mutual  confidence  between  friend  and 
friend,  and  the  pouring  out  of  the  secret  sorrows  of  our 
hearts  tend  so  much  to  alleviate  our  pains  and  anxieties,  how 
soothing  to  go  and  tell  Jesus  ! 

Because  of  the  pleasure  it  tields.  The  disciples 
felt  this,  and  they  said,  "  Did  not  our  hearts  burn  within  us, 
while  he  talked  with  us  by  the  way  ? "  The  jiresence  of 
Christ  is  the  very  life  of  the  soul.  The  world,  the  church, 
means,  ordinances,  the  social  circle,  and  the  pious  throng,  are 
all  a  blank  without  it.  It  is.  the  spring  by  which  all  our 
pleasing  sensibilities  and  holy  enjoyments  are  set  in  motion ; 
the  fountain  from  whence  all  the  streams  of  our  spirtual  con- 
solations flow ;  and  the  sun,  whose  bright  beams  and  genial 
influence  chase  away  the  darkness  from  our  minds,  and  im- 
part new  life  and  vigor  to  the  soul. 

Because  of  the  effects  it  produces.  Moses'  face 
shone  with  such  brilliancy  when  he  came  down  from  the 
mount,  that  the  children  of  Israel  could  not  look  upon  him, 
till  he  had  put  a  veil  on.  So  the  believer,  from  the  lofty  ele- 
vation of  communion  with  God,  catches  as  it  were  a  few  rays 
of  the  Divine  glory,  which  makes  his  face  to  shine  ;  and  when 
he  descends,  the  blush  of  humility  shades  the  brightness  of  his 
countenance,  his  joys  are  too  big  to  be  told,  and  the  holy  rap- 
tures of  his  soul  are  partially  concealed.  The  effect  is  trans- 
forming, elevating  and  enlivening. 

Because  of  the  prospects  it  unfolds.  If  reheved 
by  the  presence  of  Jesus  Avhile  we  live,  we  shall  be  refreshed 
by  it  when  we  die.     He  will  abide  with  us,  not  only  in  the 


BEING    FOUND    IX    CHRIST.  11 

morning  of  life,  and  in  tlie  heat  and  burden  of  tlie  day,  but 
Avhen  it  is  toward  evening,  and  the  shadows  of  death  are 
around  us,  —  his  presence  alone  can  penetrate  the  darkness 
of  death,  gild  the  sepulchre,  and  light  us  to  glory.  Who 
would  not  cry,  0  Saviour,  abide  with  me ! 


JANUABY    6. 

BEING  FOUND  IN  CHRIST. 

"  And  be  found  in  him."  —  Phil.  iii.  9. 

This  was  Paul's  desire,  when  he  saw  the  excellency  of 
the  knowledge  of  Christ ;  and  if  we  have  had  the  same  vision, 
we  shall  expi'ess  the  same  wish.  Observe  the  nature  and 
blessedness  of  being  found  in  Christ. 

What  is  it  to  be  found  in  Christ  ?  It  includes  a 
personal  interest  in  his  atonement ;  and  is  opposed  to  a  state 
of  nature,  which  is  described  as  being  without  Christ ;  a  state 
of  glory  is  to  be  with  Christ ;  and  a  state  of  grace  is  to  be  in 
Christ. 

It  is  to  be  in  him  as  our  Mediator  to  reconcile  us  to  God ; 
as  our  righteousness  to  justify  our  persons  ;  as  our  sanctifica- 
tion  to  renew  our  nature  ;  as  our  refuge  to  defend  us  from 
evil ;  and  as  our  all-sufficient  portion  to  supply  all  our  wants. 

What  are  the  blessings  connected  "with  such  a 
state  ?  When  faith  lays  her  hand  on  the  Bible,  and  says 
the  pearl  of  great  price  is  mine,  I  have  found  the  Messiah, 
a  voice  echoes  from  the  divine  oracles,  "  All  things  are 
yours."  To  be  found  in  Chi'ist,  is  to  be  found  in  his  favor 
while  we  live  ;  in  the  enjoyment  of  him  when  we  die ;  ac- 
quitted in  him  at  judgment,  and  in  his  presence  in  heaven. 
Is  this  our  state  ?  We  may  be  found  in  all  the  forms  of 
Christianity,  in  the  temple,  at  the  throne  of  grace,  the  family 
altar,  the  closet,  the  communion-table,  and  yet  not  be  in 
Christ.     What  need  is  there  for  close  examination  ! 

0,  the  rich  depths  of  love  divine  ! 
Of  bliss  a  boundless  store ! 

Dear  Saviour,  let  me  call  thee  mine. 
I  cannot  wish  for  more  ! 


12  ACKNOWLEDGING   GOD. 

JANUARY   7. 

ACKNOWLEDGING  GOD. 

"  In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him,  and  lie  shall  direct  thy  paths.''  —  Prov.  iii.  6. 

The  Bible  contains  doctrines  on  which  to  rest  our  faith, 
duties  to  regulate  our  conduct,  and  promises  to  refresh  our 
spirits.     Here  is 

An  important  precept.  —  The  acknowledgment  of  the 
divine  Being  in  all  our  ways. 

The  Act.  "  Acknowledge  him."  This  implies  more  than 
a  belief  in  his  existence.  He  is  to  be  acknowledged  in  the 
affections  of  the  heart ;  thus  we  are  to  love  him  ;  in  the  con- 
templation of  the  mind,  thus  we  are  to  think  on  him ;  in  the 
expressions  of  the  lip,  thus  we  are  to  confess  him ;  in  the  de- 
portment of  the  life,  thus  we  are  to  glorify  him. 

The  Extent.  "In  all  thy  ways."  Your  religion  is  not  to 
be  a  Sunday  dress,  but  a  daily  habit.  You  are  to  acknowl- 
edge God  in  all  your  religious  duties.  In  the  sanctuary,  in 
the  domestic  circle,  and  in  the  closet  of  devotion.  You  are 
to  acknowledge  him  in  all  your  temporal  concerns.  Consult 
him  in  all  your-plans,  purposes,  and  schemes.  Acknowledge 
him  in  all  your  various  trials.  Remember  he  treads  not  in 
the  track  of  human  fitness  or  propriety.  As  a  God  of  provi- 
dence, his  way  is  in  the  sea,  too  deep  and  mysterious  for  you 
to  fathom ;  but  as  a  God  of  grace,  his  way  is  in  the  sanctu- 
ary, and  you  may  sit  under  its  droppings,  and  commune  with 
your  God. 

An  iNVALtTABLE  PROMISE.  Assurauce  of  Divine  direction 
in  our  paths.     If  God  is  habitually  acknowledged, 

He  ivill  counsel  you  hy  Ms  tvisdom.  How  often  do  we 
consult  the  circle  of  friendship,  rather  than  the  throne  of 
grace.  Our  future  course  is  hidden  from  us ;  there  may 
be  many  scenes  of  trial,  sorrow,  and  difficulty,  we  have  yet  to 
pass,  let  us  seek  direction  from  Him. who  cannot  err. 

He  will  comfort  you  hy  his  grace.  God  is  not  only  the 
guide,  but  the  companion  of  his  people.  Communion  with 
him  in  the  paths  of  life,  while  it  throws  a  bright  lustre  around 
us,  lights  up  a  fire  within,  so  that  our  hearts  burn  with  a  celes- 
tial glow.  Thus  while  the  fiery  cloudy  pillar  is  before  us  for 
our  direction,  the  refreshing  streams  from  the  rock  follow  us 
in  our  track,  and  a  voice  addresses  us  from  above,  "  My 
presence  shall  go  with  thee,  and  I  will  give  thpe  rest." 


COMFORT    IN    AFFLICTION.  13 

He  will  conduct  you  to  glory.  This  is  your  high  destina- 
tion. "What  a  sublime  course  is  the  Christian's ;  though 
struggles  attend  its  commencement,  and  trials  follow  in  its 
progress,  immortal  joys  and  triumphs  crown  its  end  ! 


JANUARY   8. 

COMFORT  IN  AFFLICTION. 

"  This  is  my  comfort  in  my  affliotion  :  for  thy  word  hath  quickened  me." 
Psaliu  cxix.  50. 

What  a  treasure  is  religion  !  "When  all  human  resources 
fail,  this  continues  ;  Avhen  the  streams  of  earthly  comfort  are 
dried  up,  this  fountain  still  flows  on  ;  when  worldly  props  are 
taken  away,  here  we  always  have  an  arm  to  lean  upon.  The 
passage  presents  us  with  the  result  of  the  long  experience  of 
the  man  after  God's  own  heart.  Here  we  have  the  trials  and 
the  consolations  of  a  believer. 

His  Trials.  "  In  my  affliction."  Every  Christian  has  a 
thorn  in  the  flesh,  and  peculiar  trials  concerning  which  he  has 
to  say,  "  my  affliction."  These  may  be  either  bodily,  mental, 
or  relative.  They  arise  from  many  sources,  are  diversified 
in  their  character,  various  in  their  degrees,  but  are  always 
sent  for  wise  and  gracious  purposes. 

His  consolations.  David's  past  experience  of  the  com- 
fort and  quickening  influence  of  the  word,  was  his  ground  of 
support  under  present  trials.     Thus  the  believer  is 

Quickened  to  the  discharge  of  Christian  duties.  TVe  need 
quickening  not  only  in,  but  after  conversion  ;  we  feel  the  dead- 
ening influence  of  the  world,  and  must  acknowledge,  that  often- 
times when  we  ought  to  burn  with  ardor  in  the  cause  of  the 
Redeemer,  a  chill  comes  over  our  spirits,  and  we  find  our- 
selves spell-bound  by  the  chains  of  indifference.  The  word 
quickens  us  in  prayer,  and  other  religious  exercises  in  which 
we  engage. 

Quickened  in  the  exercise  of  the  Christian  graces.  Has  not 
our  faith  been  strengthened,  our  hope  revived,  our  love  in- 
creased, our  patience  had  its  perfect  work,  and  all  the  graces 
been  made  to  shine  brighter  in  the  dark  night  of  affliction  ? 
When  the  grace  of  an  afflicted  saint  is  in  exercise,  his  heart 
is  like  a  gai'den  of  roses,  which,  the  more  they  are  moved  and 
agitated,  the  sweeter  is  the  fragrance  they  exhale.  There  is 
nothing  of  an  earthly  nature  concerning  which  we  can  in  truth 
say,  "This  is  my  comfort  in  mv  affliction." 
2 


14  CHRIST    THE    FOrXDATlON    STONE. 

JANUARY    9. 

CHRIST  THE   FOUNDATION   STONE. 

"  Behold  I  lay  in  Sion  a  chief  corner  stone,  elect,  precious  :    and  he  that  bolieveth 
on  him  shall  not  he  confounded."  — 1  Pet.  ii.  6. 

The  cliLircli  may  well  be  compared  to  a  spiritual  liouse,  a 
magnificent  building :  Christ  is  the  foundation,  believers  are 
the  living  stones,  the  Holy  Spirit  is  the  builder  ;  and  notwith- 
standing all  the  opposition  manifested  towards  it,  it  shall  rise 
higher  and  higher,  till  the  top  stone  is  brought,  with  shout- 
ings, Grace,  grace,  unto  it.     Here  we  have 

The  character  of  the  Saviour.  He  is  designated  a 
stone,  denoting  firmness,  strength,  and  durability.  This  stone 
is  laid  for  a  foundation,  not  merely  to  be  looked  at,  but  built 
on.  He  is  the  chief  corner  stone  ;  that  which  unites  and  sup- 
ports the  whole  building :  Jew  and  Gentile,  Barbarian,  Scy- 
thian, bond  and  free,  are  united  in  him.  He  is  "  elect ; " 
chosen  of  the  Father  for  this  glorious  design,  as  being  pos- 
sessed of  every  requisite.  "  Precious."  Every  excellence 
that  can  excite  our  admiration,  or  attract  our  love,  is  centered 
in  him.  Whatever  view  we  take  of  him  he  is  precious  — in 
his  person,  work,  fulness,  gifts,  and  glories.  Precious  in  the 
hopes  he  sets  before  us,  the  pleasures  he  imparts,  the  names 
he  bears,  the  characters  he  sustains. 

The  vtork  op  the  Father.  On  the  erection  of  any 
building  of  importance,  some  person  of  distinction  is  selected 
to  lay  the  foundation  stone.     Notice  here 

The  Agent.  "  I  lay."  That  is  Jehovah  himself — he  who 
laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth.  Behold  him  laying  it  in  the 
counsels  of  peace  from  eternity,  in  the  promises,  in  the  cere- 
monies of  the  Mosaic  dispensation,  in  the  visions  of  ancient 
prophecy,  in  the  fulness  of  time. 

The  place.  "  In  Sion,"  or  the  church  of  the  living  God. 
Where  else  should  we  look  for  it  ?  "  My  kingdom,"  says  the 
Saviour,  "  is  not  of  this  world."  There  is  such  a  sacredness 
connected  with  religion  that  it  refuses  to  mingle  its  glories 
with  the  perishing  greatness  of  earthly  things. 

The  attention  demanded.  "  Behold,"  and  wonder,  admire, 
and  rejoice. 

The  duty  of  the  sinner.  It  is  to  come  to  this  stone, 
and  build  on  it,  rejecting  every  other  gi-ound  of  hope.  "  To 
whom  coming  as  unto  a  living  stone." 

The   safety  op  the  believer.     He  shall  not  be  con- 


E.ECK1VING    A    KIXGD03I.  15 

founded  by  the  temptations  of  Satan,  the  opposition  of  the 
wicked,  the  approach  of  death,  or  the  transactions  of  the  judg- 
ment day. 


JANUARY    10. 

RECEIVING  A  KINGDOM. 


"  Wherefore  we  receiring  a  kingdom  wliich  cannot  be  moved,  let  us  have  grace,  where- 
by we  may  serve  God  acceptably  with  i-evei-euce  and  godly  fear."  —  Ueb.  xii.  28. 

The  chapter  out  of  which  these  words  are  selected,  is  one 
of  the  most  sublime  in  the  Bible.  Here  is  a  striking  con- 
trast draAvn  between  the  two  dispensations,  —  the  law  is  set 
forth  in  all  its  terrific  grandeur,  and  the  Gospel  in  all  its 
glorious  gi'ace.     In  the  passage  we  have 

Christian   privilege   acknowledged.      Contemplate 

Its  nature.  "A  kingdom."  It  is  widely  diflferent  from 
the  kingdoms  of  this  world,  being  spiritual  in  its  principles, 
and  sacred  in  its  interests.  Of  this  kingdom,  Christ  is  the 
Monarch,  the  heart  is  the  throne,  grace  is  the  sceptre,  the 
Bible  is  the  law,  and  glory  the  end. 

Its  stability.  "  Which  cannot  be  moved."  This  is  in  op- 
position to  the  passing  away  of  the  Old  Testament  dispensa- 
tion. Its  past  stability  is  a  pledge  of  its  future  endurance. 
The  kingdom  of  Christ  is  firm,  and  shall  continue  the  same 
in  its  character,  principles,  laws,  constitution,  privileges,  and 
immunities.  The  lapse  of  time,  the  attacks  of  infidels,  the 
rage  of  persecutors,  and  the  malice  of  devils  cannot  move  it. 
^  How  loe  become  interested  in  it.  "  Receving."  When  by 
faith  we  embrace  Christ,  we  become  members  of  this  king- 
dom. 

Christian  duty  HECOmiENDED.  —  Consider 

What  it  includes.  "  Serving  God."  Our  aim  should  be 
to  do  tliis  acceptably :  and  the  manner,  "  with  reverence  and 
godly  fear."  We  must  avoid  the  forwardness  of  presumption, 
and  cultivate  humility.  Thus  to  serve  God,  is  to  yield  our- 
selves implicitly  to  him. 

What  it  requires.  "  Grace."  It  is  not  to  be  accomplished  by 
natural  ability.  Without  a  new  heart,  we  cannot  have  the  dis- 
position to  serve  God,  and  without  grace  we  cannot  have  the 
power.  Where  it  is  to  be  obtained:  "let  us  have  grace." 
The  soui'ce  is  divine,  —  but  the  means  are  human.  Seek  it 
from  him  who  is  the  God  of  all  grace. 


16  SANCTIFICATION    OF    THE    SABBATU. 

JANUARY    11.  • 

SANCTIFICATION   OF  THE   SABBATH. 

"  Keep  the  Sabbath  day  to  sanctify  it." — Deut.  t.  12. 

Moses  in  this  chapter  brings  to  the  recollection  of  the 
Israelites  what  God  had  commanded  them.  We  may  take 
five  views  of  the  Sabbath. 

In  its  divine  origin.  It  is  not  an  ordinance  of  man,  but 
immediately  appointed  of  God.  Contemplate  it  under  the 
Jewish  Law.  The  first  intimation  we  have  of  a  Sabbath  was, 
when  God  rested  from  his  works  at  the  creation.  When  Israel 
was  organized  as  a  nation,  this  was  a  statute ;  it  occupies  a 
place  in  the  moral  law.  View  it  under  the  Christian  Dispen- 
sation. The  first  day  of  the  week  is  kept  as  the  Lord's  day, 
in  commemoration  of  the  Resurrection  of  Christ,  he  having 
finished  a  mightier  and  more  stupendous  work  than  that  of 
creation.     Contemplate  the  Sabbath  — 

In  its  holy  requirements.  There  must  be  on  our  part, 
if  we  would  keep  it  to  sanctify  it,  a  cessation  from  all  worldly 
concerns,  and  an  engagement  in  religious  pursuits.  It  must 
be  a  day  of  remembrance  —  prayer  —  religious  worship  — 
meditation  —  holy  desires  —  thanksgiving  and  joyful  antici- 
pation.    Look  at  it 

In  its  important  designs.  The  Almighty  has  instituted 
this  day  for  two  grand  objects,  associated  with  his  glory,  and 
the  welfare  of  his  creatures,  viz.,  the  conversion  of  the  im- 
penitent, and  the  establishment  of  believers.     Consider  it 

In  its  sacred  deuights.  Sabbath  days  are  golden  days 
to  the  Christian.  "  'T  is  then,"  says  Mr.  James,  "  that  the 
Chi-istian  engaged  in  warfare  with  the  world,  like  a  conflict- 
ing vessel  at  sea,  lies  by  for  a  season  to  repair  the  damages 
he  has  received,  and  prepare  again  for  action,  by  renewing 
the  faith  which  giveth  him  the  victory."  'T  is  on  the  Sabbath 
that  piety,  wearied  and  weakened  by  the  wiles  of  her  warfare, 
sits  down  to  rest  beneath  the  shadow  of  Christ's  ordinances, 
and  refreshing  herself  with  the  river  of  life  v/hich  flows  at  her 
feet,  rises  with  renovated  strength  to  pursue  her  journey  to  a 
city  of  habitation.     Finally,  regard  the  Sabbath 

In  its  typical  representation.  It  is  a  fragment  of 
heaven  dropped  upon  earth.  "  There  remaineth  therefore,  a 
rest,  or,  as  it  is  in  the  original,  a  Sabbath-keeping  to  the  peo- 
ple of  God." 


THE   CHKISTIAN'S    POSSESSIONS.  17 

JANUARY    12. 

THE  CHRISTIAN'S  POSSESSIONS. 

'•  lie  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all,  how  shall  he  no' 
with  him  also  freely  ^ve  us  all  things."'  —  Rom.  viii.  32. 

This  chapter  is  a  compendium  of  the  Gospel  system,  em- 
bracing doctrine,  practice,  and  experience.  The  verse  before 
us  alludes  to  tlie  astonishing  exhibition  of  Divine  love,  not  as 
a  dark  and  doubtful  point,  but  as  estabhshed  on  undeniable 
authority,  from  -wliich  the  most  conclusive  reasoning  may 
be  drawn.     Observe 

The  ground  of  the  Christian's  hope.  That  is  the 
atonement  of  Clirist. 

The  dignity  of  the  sufferer.  "  His  own  Son."  Think  of 
him  in  his  pre-existent  glory,  and  his  unrivalled  excellences. 
Nothing  of  less  worth  could  have  atoned  for  sin,  nothing  of 
gi'cater  value  could  be  given. 

TJic  nature  of  his  sufferings.  "We  cannot  here  enter  into 
a  minute  detail,  but  must  be  content  "with  a  general  view.  It 
is  said  the  Father  did  not  spare  him.  He  Avas  not  spared  in 
Gethsemane,  at  Pilate's  bar,  on  Calvary.  He  was  delivered 
up.  To  what  ?  To  that  humanity  in  which  Deity  was  en- 
shrined, to  poverty,  reproach,  and  temptation  ;  to  his  enemies, 
Judas,  the  chief  priests,  Herod,  Pilate,  the  Roman  soldiers, 
and  to  Divine  wrath. 

The  individuals  concerned.  "  For  lis  all."  All  who  feel 
their  guilt  and  helplessness,  and  are  crying  for  mercy ;  the 
Aveak  and  the  sti'ong,  the  desponding  and  joyful,  the  young 
and  old.     See  the  universality  of  the  blessing. 

The  extent  of  the  Christian's  fossessions.  God 
having  given  his  Son,  what  will  he  withhold?  Other  bles- 
sings may  be  estimated,  but  the  riches  of  Christ  are  un- 
searchable. Examine  the  cataloguge,  1  Cor.  iii.  21,  —  23. 
The  world  is  yours,  not  your  home,  your  portion,  your  all: 
it  is  yours  as  conquered  by  faith,  youi's  for  present  use,  not 
for  future  inheritance ;  you  have  a  better  country.  All  things 
are  for  your  sakes,  subject  to  your  real  welfare !  Pardon,  holi- 
ness, comfort,  joy ;  God  and  the  creature,  grace  and  glory, 
earth,  and  heaven.  But  how  are  they  bestowed  ?  "Freely," 
and  for  the  sake  of  Christ.  Poor,  indeed,  are  they  who  have 
not  Christ,  but  unspeakable  rich  are  those  Avho  arc  interested 
in  him.  They  can  boast  in  riches  sujierior  to  all  beneath  the 
skies,  and  can  more  than  vie  with  kings,  and  princes,  and  nobles. 
2* 


18  THE   FULNESS    OF    CHRIST. 

JANUARY    13. 

THE  FULNESS  OF  CHRIST. 

"  For  it  iileaseJ  the  Father  that  in  him  should  all  fulness  dwell."  —  Col.  i.  19. 

In  the  Scriptures  of  triuh,  in  the  history  of  the  church,  in 
the  triumphs  of  heaven,  and  in  the  estimation  of  every  be- 
liever, "  Christ  is  all."  All  our  hopes  are  in  him,  all  our  de- 
sires are  to^yards  him,  and  all  our  comforts  are  derived  from 
him.     Let  us  contemplate 

The  fulness  of  christ.  He  has  a  fulness  essential  to 
him  as  God :  and  a  fulness  treasured  up  in  him  as  Mediator. 
In  the  contemplation  of  the  fulness  of  Christ,  we  are,  as  it 
were,  standing  on  the  banks  of  a  mighty  river,  whose  streams 
are  incessantly  rolling  on,  and  as  we  cannot  count  the  parti- 
cles of  the  watery  element  that  pass  before  us,  so  we  can  form 
no  adequate  idea  of  those  inestimable  blessings  that  flow 
from  Christ. 

A  fulness  of  wisdom  for  our  instruction.  By  nature  the 
understanding  is  dark ;  the  lamp  of  human  reason,  however 
carefully  trimmed,  will,  at  its  greatest  height,  give  but  a  faint 
and  dim  light,  —  one  beam  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness  dart- 
ing into  the  soul,  will  discover  more  to  it  than  reason  ever 
could  do,  and  "  give  us  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  gloxy 
of  God,  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ." 

A  fulness  of  merit  for  our  redemption.  Enslaved  as  we 
are  by  sin  and  Satan,  we  need  a  Redeemer.  In  the  person 
of  Christ  we  have  one  who  is  mighty  to  save.  The  sacrifice 
he  presented  was  full  and  complete,  answering  every  pur- 
pose it  was  designed  to  accomplish.  It  is  "  all  fulness  "  that 
dwells  in  him.  There  are  all  spiritual  blessings,  for  all  de- 
scriptions of  sinners. 

A  fulness  of  poiver  for  our  support.  There  is  might 
and  mercy,  glory  and  grace,  power  and  pity,  combined  in 
him.  Our  condition  is  one  of  hel]ilessness  and  weakness,  but 
Christ  is  our  strength.  In  him  there  is  power  for  our  sup- 
port, as  well  as  grace  for  our  salvation. 

A  fulness  of  (/race  for  our  final  happiness.  He  is  full  of 
grace  and  truth.  Here  is  a  Divine  treasury  that  can  never 
be  exhausted ;  millions  have  been  supplied  from  this  store- 
house, yet  there  is  no  diminution,  for  still  in  him  all  fulness 
dwells.  May  the  Almighty  enable  us  on  the  one  hand  to  see 
the  emptiness  of  the  world,  and  on  the  other,  the  fulness  of 
Christ :  and  receive  of  his  fulness,  and  grace  for  grace. 


TUE    TLIiASLUE    OF    THE    FATHER.  19 

JANUARY    14. 

THE  PLEASURE  OF  THE  FATHER. 

'•  For  it  pleased  the  Father  that  in  bim  all  fulness  should  dwell."  —  Col.  i.  VJ. 

Salvation  is  to  be  viewed  as  the  g:lorious  work  of  a 
Triune  Jehovah.  Its  contrivance  is  ascribed  to  the  wisdom 
of  the  Father,  its  execution  to  tlie  love  of  the  Son,  and  its 
application  to  the  grace  of  the  Spirit.  With  regard  to  the 
fulness  of  Christ,  let  us  contemplate 

The  pleasure  of  the  father.  "  It  pleased  the  Fath- 
er."    It  was  his  Avill,  and  by  his  appointment.     But  why  ? 

For  the  display  of  the  Divine  glory.  In  the  varied  works 
of  the  Almighty  that  we  behold  around  us,  we  have,  as  it 
were,  detached  exhibitions  of  the  light  of  his  glorious  perfec- 
tions ;  but  in  the  scheme  of  salvation,  all  the  Divine  attributes 
shine  forth  in  one  splendid  constellation,  presenting  the  Deity 
to  our  view  in  such  a  manner  as  cannot  fail  to  excite  our  ad- 
miration, love,  and  praise.  The  fulness  of  Christ  redounds  to 
the  glory  of  God :  and  thus  the  cross  becomes  a  mirror,  re- 
flecting back  again  to  the  great  Eternal  the  overflowings  of 
his  mercy,  the  firmness  of  his  truth,  the  purity  of  his  holiness, 
and  the  plenitude  of  his  grace. 

For  the  accomplishment  of  human  redemption.  Thus  it  is 
said,  "  It  pleased  the  Father  to  bruise  him."  The  pleasure 
was  not  in  the  act,  but  in  the  result  of  his  sufferings.  It 
pleases  the  Father  when  sinners  come  and  enlist  under  the 
banners  of  the  cross  ;  Avhen  those  who  are  impoverished  by 
sin  seek  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ ;  when  the  misera- 
ble come  for  happiness,  and  the  despairing  for  hope,  and  the 
graceless  for  grace.  But  he  declares,  "  I  have  no  pleasure  in 
the  death  of  the  wicked."  Take  encouragement,  therefore, 
from  the  complacency  of  the  Father,  and  be  it  your  highest 
aim  and  chief  desire,  to  escape  the  tempests  of  his  wrath,  to 
dread  the  clouds  of  his  displeasure,  and  to  enjoy  the  sunshine 
of  his  favor. 

Hark  !   how  from  Calvary  it  soiiiidi?, 
From  the  Kedeemer's  bleeding  -n-ouuds  ! 
"  Pardon  and  grace  I  freely  give  ; 
Poor  sinner,  look  to  me,  and  live." 


20  THE    DUTiT    OF    THE    glNNEK. 

JANUARY    15. 

THE   DUTY  OF  THE   SINNER. 

"  For  it  pleased  the  Father  that  in  him  should  all  fulness  dwell."'— Col.  1. 19. 

The  fulness  of  Christ  is  not  like  a  concealed  spring,  or  a 
fountain  shut  up,  but  like  a  wide  expansive  ocean,  free  and 
open  for  all ;  vie  are  soon  lost  in  the  contemplation  of  its  vast- 
ness,  and  filled  with  unutterable  joy  when  we  can  dive  into 
its  depths,  and  revive  and  invigorate  our  languid  souls.  Let 
us  consider  in  relation  to  the  fulness  of  Christ, 

The  duty  of  the  sinner.     There  must  be 

An  humble  acknowledgement  of  our  wants.  This  is  the  first 
step  to  get  them  supplied.  "VVe  cannot  rejoice  in  Christ's  ful- 
ness if  we  have  not  mourned  over  our  own  emptiness.  Yet 
such  is  the  delusion  of  thousands,  that  they  imagine  they  are 
rich  and  increased  in  goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing ;  while 
they  are  reduced  to  the  lowest  state  of  spiritual  destitution 
and  wretchedness. 

A  sincere  deliglit  in  Jds  fidness.  As  it  pleases  the  Father, 
so  let  it  delight  you,  that  all  fulness  dwells  in  Christ.  When 
you  contemplate  the  rich  stores  that  are  treasured  up  in  him, 
and  adapted  exactly  to  your  spiritual  necessities,  do  not  emo- 
tions of  joy  and  gratitude  thrill  through  your  soul,  that  such 
a  resoui'ce  is  opened  ? 

A  cordial  recei^tion  of  his  benefits.  Many  hear  of  the 
Saviour's  treasures  who  have  never  received  of  his  fuhiess. 
If  we  Avould  experience  the  Divine  blessing  and  favor,  we 
must  be  partakers  of  the  Divine  nature.  Nothing  short  of 
the  saving  ai)plication  of  Christ's  fulness  to  the  soul  will  im- 
part real  satisfaction.  Let  my  prayer  be.  Blessed  God,  sup- 
ply all  my  wants  according  to  thy  riches  in  glory  by  Christ 
Jesus. 

Which  of  all  our  friends,  to  save  ns, 

Could  or  would  have  shed  theh"  blood  V 
But  one  Jesus  died  to  have  us, 
Reconciled  in  him  to  God  : 
This  was  boundless  love  indeed  ! 
Jesus  is  a  friend  in  need. 


THE    rOOH    IN    SPIRIT.  21 

JANUARY    IG. 

THE   POOR  IN   SPIRIT. 

"  Blessed  ai'e  tlie  poor  in  spirit ;  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  —  Matt.  v.  3. 

Tnis  is  the  first  sentence  in  that  memorable  sermon  which 
our  Lord  delivered  on  the  mount.     Note 

The  character.  "  The  poor  in  spirit."  Such  an  one 
has 

A  loio  opinion  of  himself.  The  high  and  lofty  looks  are 
brought  down,  the  proud  spii-it  is  l)roken.  We  can  never  rise 
in  the  favor  of  God  till  we  sink  in  our  own  estimation.  Henry 
observes,  "  Tliose  who  would  build  high  must  begin  low."  It 
is  with  Christians  as  with  a  vessel,  the  more  it  fills  the  deeper 
it  sinks. 

Exalted  views  of  Ohrist.  "We  are  saved,  and  sanctified, 
enriched  and  ennobled  by  him.  As  a  sight  of  the  deformity 
of  sin  lays  the  proudest  rebel  low ;  so  a  sense  of  salvation  by 
gi'ace,  makes  the  highest  saint  humble, 

A  contented  disposition  \cith  his  lot.  The  world  must  be 
regarded  as  the  scene  of  our  journey,  not  the  scat  of  our  rest. 
The  traveller  makes  use  of  the  accommodation  which  the  inn 
affords,  not  to  divert  him  from,  but  to  refresh  and  prepare  him 
for  his  journey :  the  comforts  he  obtains  on  the  way  will  not 
satisfy  him  without  going  home.  Just  so  is  it  with  the  Chris- 
tian ;  he  exclaims  concerning  temporal  comforts,  and  agreea- 
ble connections, 

"  Thanks  to  thy  name  for  meaner  things, 
But  these  are  not  my  God." 

The  blessing.  '•  Theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven,"  that 
is,  they  are  interested  in  all  the  blessings  of  the  Gosjiel  dis- 
pensation. 

He  ivill  enrich  them  icitli  his  grace.  Nothing  but  this  can 
adorn  the  soul,  or  rejoice  the  heart. 

He  will  receive  them  into  glory.  They  shall  be  exalted  in 
due  time  beyond  the  reach  of  eveiy  evil.  Heaven  is  theirs 
by  promise,  title,  earnest,  and  foretaste,  and  ere  long  it  shall 
be  theii's  by  possession.  Let  me  cultivate  this  poverty  of 
spirit,  and  thereby  become  a  possessor  of  the  Cliristian's  rich 
inheritance. 


22  FERVOR   IN    RELIGION. 

JANUARY    17. 

FERVOR  IN  RELIGION. 

''  Not  slothful  in  business  ;  fervent  in  spiiit ;  serving  the  Lord."  — Eom.  xii.  11. 

The  Christian  sliould  possess  an  active  spirit,  for  both 
worlds  have  a  claim  on  him.  He  has  to  exercise  himself  in 
duties  secular,  social,  and  sacred.     Here  is 

An  evil  to  avoid.  It  is  slothfulness.  God  has  wisely 
ordained  that  we  should  have  various  pursuits  and  occupa- 
tions while  in  this  world.  The  indolent  are  exposed  to  a 
thousand  temptations,  which  an  active  man  knows  nothing  of. 
An  idler,  whose  time  hangs  heavy  on  his  hands,  and  who  is  a 
burden  to  himself,  confirms  the  truth  of  the  sentiment, 

"  Absence  of  occupation  is  not  rest, 
A  mind  quite  vacant  is  a  mind  distrcss'd." 

A  WORK  TO  PERFORM. — "  Serving  tlie  Lord."  The 
Christian  is  to  walli  with  God  in  his  daily  avocations,  and  in 
the  midst  of  his  secular  affairs.  What  is  included  in  serving 
the  Lord  ?  It  is  to  give  up  ourselves  to  his  disposal,  live  in 
his  fear,  walk  in  his  commandments,  and  aim  at  his  glory. 
He  is  to  be  served  with  a  sincere  heart,  an  unshaken  resolu- 
tion, and  a  willing  mind. 

A  SPIRIT  TO  CHERISH.  "  Fervcnt  in  spirit."  True  fer- 
vor is  not  an  occasional,  but  a  continued  feeling;  it  is  not  like 
a  sudden  glare  produced  by  ignited  straw,  which  however 
bright  is  soon  extinguished ;  but  like  the  lamp  in  the  saci-ed 
temple  which  burnt  with  a  steady  flame.  It  is  not  like  a 
rushing  torrent,  which,  though  it  may  sj^read  far  and  wide  at 
the  same  time,  yet  soon  subsides  ;  but  like  the  streams  issuing 
from  a  perennial  fountain.  There  must  be  on  our  part  a  dili- 
gent improvement  of  the  graces  of  the  Spirit,  and  an  active 
performance  of  the  duties  of  religion. 

'T  is  to  my  Saviour  I  would  live  — 

To  him  who  for  my  ransom  died  ; 
Nor  could  all  worldly  honor  give 

Such  bliss  as  crowns  me  at  his  side. 


Christ's  atonement  and  intercession.  23 

JANUARY    18. 

CHRIST'S   ATONEMENT  AND  INTERCESSION. 

"  He  bare  the  sin  of  maiij',  and  made  intercestiion  for  the  transgressors." — lea.  liii.  12. 

The  chapter  of  which  these  words  form  a  part,  presents 
us  with  a  clear  and  comprehensive  view  of  the  sufferings, 
death,  and  atonement  of  Christ ;  and  the  closing  verse,  of  his 
intercession.     Observe 

The  criARACTER  of  mankind.  "  Transgressors."  This 
is  proved  from 

Tlie  testimony  of  Scripture.  TTe  are  called  transgressors 
from  the  womb.  The  heart  is  deceitful,  the  thoughts  evil,  the 
imaginations  corrupt,  the  mind  benighted,  the  affections  earth- 
ly, and  the  members  of  the  body  the  ready  instruments  of 
unrighteousness. 

The  exjierience  of  the  penitent.  The  publican  smote  upon 
his  breast,  as  if  he  had  said,  here  is  the  source  of  all  my  de- 
pravity, the  fountain  from  whence  the  streams  of  corruption 
flow,  and  cried  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner."  You  re- 
member the  language  of  the  prodigal. 

llie  conscience  of  the  ivicked.  Conscience  is  the  voice  of 
God  in  the  soul,  and  when  it  speaks  aloud,  and  sends  forth 
its  sharp  arrows,  what  pain  and  remorse  are  felt.  See  it  in 
Cain,  Joseph's  brethren,  Belshazzar,  the  accusers  of  the  adul- 
terous woman,  Judas,  Felix,  and  others. 

The  work  of  christ.     It  is  two  fold  :  — 

Atonement.  "  He  bare  the  sin  of  many."  This  includes 
both  original  sin  and  actual  transgression.  No  mere  ci-eature 
could  present  an  all-sufficient  atonement,  and  satisfy  the  claims 
of  justice :  our  Redeemer  did  it,  being  equal  with  God, 

Intercession.  "  And  made  intercession  for  the  transgres- 
sors." As  an  Intercessor  he  is  the  Surety  of  his  people,  pre- 
sents his  sacrifice,  meets  the  accusations  of  Satan,  the  claims 
of  conscience,  and  the  corruptions  of  the  heart.  He  inter- 
cedes for  their  pardon,  sanctification,  the  operations  of  his 
Spirit,  and  their  final  glorification. 

"  Give  him,  my  son],  thy  cause  to  plead, 
Nor  doubt  the  Father's  love." 


24  A    EESOUKCE    IN    TROUBLE.* 

JANUARY    19. 

A  RESOURCE  IN  TROUBLE. 

"  Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble  :  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me." 
Psalm  1.  15. 

The  promises  of  God  are  precious  in  their  nature,  exten- 
sive in  their  application,  and  certain  in  their  fulfilment.  Mr. 
Newton  beautifully  remarks,  —  "  The  firmament  of  revelation 
is  spangled  with  exceeding  great  and  precious  promises,  as 
the  sky  is  with  stars ;  but  their  value  and  beauty  are  most 
perceptible  to  us  in  the  night  of  affliction,"  Let  us  look  at 
the  one  before  us. 

A  DISTRESSING  PERIOD.  "  The  day  of  trouble."  We 
cannot  expect  uninterrupted  sunshine  ;  we  must  look  for  dark 
and  cloudy  days.  There  are  many  things  that  tend  to  trou- 
ble and  perplex  the  Christian. 

A  KIND  DIRECTION.  "  Call  upou  me."  This  is  not  the 
language  of  the  world.  How  many  professed  friends  have 
their  hearts,  hands,  and  houses  open  to  receive  the  sons  of 
prosperity,  while  they  are  all  shut  against  the  children  of  ad- 
versity ?  Not  so  with  our  best  Friend  ;  he  is  willing  to  receive 
us  under  a  cloud,  and  gild  that  cloud  with  an  assurance  of  his 
love  and  favor.  It  is  well  when  our  troubles  lead  us  to,  rather 
than  from  God.  Call  upon  him  in  the  language  of  prayer, 
with  thankfulness  for  past  favors,  and  in  the  exercise  of  Chris- 
tian submission  to  his  will. 

A  GRACIOUS  PROMISE.  "I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou 
shalt  glorify  me." 

Deliverance  shall  come  from  God.  This  shall  be  accom- 
plished in  his  own  time,  by  his  own  means,  and  in  his  own 
way. 

Glori/  shall  redound  to  God.  "  We  must  go  to  God,"  says 
Henry,  "  with  prayers  when  we  are  afflicted,  and  with  praises 
when  we  are  dehvered."  Let  us  be  thankful,  that  in  the  wil- 
derness we  not  only  have  the  waters  of  afiliction,  but  the 
streams  of  comfort. 

0  Saviour,  the  promise  fulfil] ; 

Its  comforts  impart  to  my  mind  ; 
Then  cahnly  I'll  bow  to  thy  will, 

To  the  Clip  of  affliction  resigned. 


PRACTICAL    RELIGION.  25 

JANUARY   20. 

PRACTICAL  RELIGION. 

"  Be  thou  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  all  the  day  long."  —  Trov.  xxiii.  17. 

Religion  holds  its  seat  in  tlie  heart,  and  sheds  its  hea- 
venly influence  in  the  life.  It  is  a  governing  principle,  and 
where  divinely  instilled,  will  obtain  the  ascendency  over  the 
sinful  and  corrupt  jiassions  of  the  mind.  The  passage  gives 
us  a  fine  view  of"  religion  in  its  practical  tendency,  bearing  on 
the  scenes  and  circumstances  of  every  day.  Observe  con- 
cerning this  duty 

The  manner  in  which  it  is  to  be  performed.  It  in- 
cludes 

The  habitual  recognition  of  the  Divine  presence.  There 
may  be  an  occasional  acknowledgment  of  it,  where  these 
feelings  are  by  no  means  habitual.  Many  express  a  tempo- 
rary awe  of  God  in  a  thunder  storm,  wlio  forget  him  when 
all  nature  is  tranquil  and  serene.  As  the  lightning  quickly 
flashes  along  the  skies,  as  the  rolling  thunder  soon  dies  on  the 
ear,  and  the  clouds  are  rapidly  dispersed,  so  transient  is  the 
effect  produced  on  their  minds. 

A  clieerful  stibmission  to  the  Divine  iiyiU.  God  is  to  be  rec- 
ognized in  the  duties,  trials,  and  disappointments,  as  well  as 
the  comforts  and  mercies  of  the  day. 

A  continual  devotedness  to  the  Divine  glory.  The  Chris- 
tian's is  to  be,  not  a  sudden  start,  and  then  a  halt,  but  a  stea- 
dy, persevering  course. 
/^  The  sroTiVES  by  which  it  may  be  urged.  You  should 
Cultivate  this  habitual  principle  of  fear,  to  testify  your  grati- 
tude, to  show  your  obedience,  to  evince  your  sincerity,  and 
to  secure  your  welfare.  Such  a  course  is  pleasing  to  God, 
honorable  to  your  profession,  unanswerable  to  your  opponents, 
and  encouraging  to  your  companions. 

Tlie  Saviour  bids  us  watch  and  pray, 

Jlaintain  a  warrior's  strife  ; 
Help,  Lord,  to  liear  tliy  voice  to-day  ; 

(Obedience  is  our  life. 


26  THE  WELLS  OF  SALVATION. 

JANUARY  21. 

THE  WELLS  OF  SALVATION. 

"  Therefore  Tvith  joy  shall  ye  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation."  —  Isa.  xii.  3. 

The  Bible  abounds  with  figurative  language,  and  meta- 
phorical representations.  The  blessings  of  salvation  are 
frequently  compared  to  water.  Thus  we  read  of  rivers, 
fountains,  streams,  living  waters,  and  wells  ;  all  to  set  forth 
the  cleansing,  reviving  and  elevating  nature,  and  the  inex- 
haustible fulness  of  these  blessings.     Let  us  look  at 

The  wells  of  salvation.     What'  is  meant  by  them  ? 

The  eternal  love  of  God.  It  reaches  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting  in  its  length ;  it  extends  to  men  of  eveiy  clime, 
and  alike  encircles  Jew  and  Gentile,  such  is  its  width ;  it 
reaches  the  lowest  shades  of  misery  and  despair,  such  is  its 
depth ;  and  it  conducts  to  the  full  enjoyment  of  God  in 
heaven,  such  is  its  height. 

The  gracious  mediation  of  Christ.  To  use  the  language 
of  Dr.  Chalmers,  this  throws  an  archway  of  communication 
between  the  realms  of  sense  and  spirit, —  it  is  the  mystic 
ladder  which  conducts  man  to  the  altitude  of  the  eternal  and 
immutable  God.  By  the  doctrine  of  the  incarnation  he  is 
pictured  to  the  world  with  a  human  countenance,  heard  in  a 
human  voice,  and  seen  m  the  deeds  and  footsteps  of  a  human 
history. 

The  sacred  influences  of  the  Spirit.  'T  is  he  alone  that 
can  illumine  the  understanding,  soften  the  heart,  and  sanctify 
the  soul.  His  operations  are  mysterious  in  their  manner, 
wonderful  in  their  nature,  extensive  in  their  range,  effectual 
in  their  power,  and  glorious  in  their  effects. 

The  jyrecious  promises  of  the  Gosjjel.  The  promises  of 
God  are  all  sure,  though  not  dated ;  this  exercises  faith,  in- 
duces hope,  and  excites  to  prayei'. 

We  have  seen  what  these  wells  are,  now  let  us  notice 

The  Christian's  blessed  ejiplotment.  He  draws 
water.  J5i/  what  means?  In  the  exercise  of  meditation. 
This  is  highly  conducive  not  only  to  the  formation  of  our 
Christian  character,  but  to  the  promotion  of  our  spiritual 
comfort  and  prosperity.  By  reading  the  Scriptures,  many 
have  drawn  the  sweetest  consolations  from  the  wells  of  salva- 
tion. By  prayer,  which  is  the  golden  key  that  unlocks  the 
treasures  of  heaven.  All  this  must  be  done  in  faith,  and  with 
a  dependence  on  his  grace. 


TRUST   IN    GOL>.  27 

In  what  manner  ?  "  With  joy."  Joy  because  of  the  very 
nature  of  the  blessings  he  derives ;  they  are  soul-reviving 
and  refreshing,  Joy  because  of  their  freeness.  The  wells 
are  open  to  all  who  will  draw  from  them.  Joy  because  of 
their  inexhaustible  fulness.  They  may  be  compared  to  a 
vast  ocean,  incessantly  rolling  its  billows,  without  finding  bot- 
tom or  shore  —  or  to  eternity  itself,  —  without  exhaustion, 
without  diminution,  without  end.  Let  me  often  be  found 
beside  these  wells,  with  the  sentiment  of  the  poet,  — 

" Lord,  lam  come  to  seek  supplies 
And  drive  my  -wants  away." 


JAXUAKY   22. 

TRUST  IN  GOD. 


"  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord  ;  trust  also  in  bim  j  and  be  shall  bring  it  to 
pass."  —  Psalm  xxxrii.  5. 

The  disciple  of  Christ  learns  some  of  the  best  lessons  in 
the  school  of  adversity.  David  enjoyed  some  of  his  happiest 
seasons,  and  acquired  his  i-ichest  experience  here.     Obser\'e 

What  the  Christian  is  to  do  in  reference  to  God. 
He  is  to  commit  his  way  unto  the  Lord,  and  trust  in  his  wis- 
dom to  guide  him ;  the  duties  of  the  way,  and  trust  in  his 
strength  to  perform  them  ;  the  temptations  of  the  way,  and 
trust  in  his  grace  for  succor ;  the  trials  of  the  way,  and  trust 
in  his  power  to  sustain  him ;  the  reproaches  of  the  way,  and 
trust  in  his  promise  to  cast  them  off;  the  doubts  of  the  way, 
and  trust  in  his  mercy  to  dispel  them ;  the  mysteries  of  the 
way,  and  trust  in  his  skill  to  explain  them. 

What  God  has  promised  to  do  for  the  Christian. 
"  He  shall  bring  it  to  pass  ; "  that  is,  he  will  aiford  seasonable 
deliverance,  wise  direction,  and  ample  support. 

l^et  us  believe  and  take  courage.  Every  word  he  has 
spoken,  and  every  promise  he  has  made,  shall  be  brought  to 
pass.  We  must  look  through  the  anger  of  God's  correction 
to  the  sweetness  of  his  countenance ;  as  by  a  rainbow  we  see 
the  beautiful  image  of  the  sun's  light,  in  the  midst  of  a  dark 
and  watery  cloud. 

Let  us  icait  and  adore.  All  this  he  will  do  in  his  own  time 
and  in  his  owft  wav. 


28  THE    GIFT    OF    THE    SPIRIT. 

JANUARY    23. 

THE  GIFT  OF  THE  SPIRIT., 

"  And  I  ^vill  pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  another  Comforter,  that  he  may 
abide  with  you  for  ever."  —  John  xiv.  16. 

\yiiEN  our  Saviour  uttered  these  words,  it  was  a  critical 
and  trying  period  for  his  disciples.  Perilous  times  Avere  ap- 
proaching, dark  clouds  were  gathering  around  them,  but  they 
had  no  just  grounds  for  terror  and  dismay.  Though  they 
were  soon  to  be  deprived  of  his  bodily  presence,  they  would 
not  be  left  comfortless ;  he  here  promises  them  a  rich  gift,  it 
is  the  Spirit.     Observe  here 

The  manner  in  which  he  is  given.  We  may  consider 
the  Spirit 

As  the  fruit  of  the  Saviour's  intei'cession.  "  I  will  pray 
the  Fathei'."  He  is  our  Advocate ;  and  but  for  him  we 
should  know  nothing  either  of  the  woi'k  or  influences  of  the 
Spirit. 

As  the  gift  of  the  Father's  love.  "  And  he  shall  give  you 
another  Comforter."  He  is  the  Author  of  every  good  and 
perfect  gift. 

The  ends  for  which  he  is  bestowed.  As  a  Com- 
forter. The  original  word  signifies  also  an  Advocate  and  In- 
structer.  Thus  he  is  given  not  only  to  administer  comfort, 
but  to  impart  knowledge.     Now  let  us  consider  him 

As  a.  comforter  under  trials.  This  he  does  by  sanctifying 
our  afilictions,  by  applying  the  promises  to  our  particular 
cases,  and  by  enabling  us  to  cast  our  cares  upon  him.  He 
has  not  promised  to  remove  our  burdens,  but  to  sustain  us 
under  them. 

As  a  helper  in  prayer.  He  leads  us  into  all  truth.  There 
are  three  great  impediments  to  prayer :  a  dark  understanding, 
a  guilty  conscience,  and  a  cold  heart.  The  Spirit  assists  us, 
by  imparting  light  to  the  mind,  —  conveying  peace  to  the 
conscience,  —  and  expanding  the  desires  of  our  heart.  With- 
out the  Spirit's  influence  there  is  neither  life,  power,  nor  effi- 
cacy in  prayer.  It  is  like  a  body  without  a  soul,  a  firmament 
without  a  sun :  incense  without  odor,  a  ship  without  sails,  and 
a  sacrifice  without  fire. 

The  period  for  which  he  is  enjoyed.  "  That  he 
may  abide  with  you  for  ever."  "  All  earthly  joys,"  says 
Burkitt,  "  are  sudden  flashes,  not  lasting  flames."  Here  are 
everlasting  consolations.  The  Spirit  comes  not  as  a  transient 
visitor,  but  as  a  permanent  guest. 


BELIEVERS    LED    BY    THE    SriIUT.  29 

llow  great  is  the  blessing  here  set  before  us.  If  the  Spir- 
it is  given  to  us,  all  things  are  ours,  and  we  arc  Chi-ist's. 
But  "  if  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ  he  is  none  of 
his." 


JANUARY   24. 

BELIEVERS  LED  BY  THE  SPIRIT. 

"  For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Si)irit  of  God,  they  are  the  sons  of  God."  —  Rom. 

viii.  14. 

This  chapter  contains  some  of  the  deep  things  of  God  ;  the 
mysteries  of  our  holy  religion.  I  have  somewhere  met  with 
a  beautiful  sentiment,  in  substance  as  follows  :  —  The  Gospel 
condescends  to  argue  and  reason  on  some  of  its  truths,  but 
not  on  others ;  they  are  the  topmost  boughs  of  the  tree  of  life, 
whose  fruits  are  apparent  to  us,  but  not  their  relation,  and 
the  ground  of  their  fitness  and  propriety,  —  they  must  be  re- 
ceived on  the  veracity  of  their  Author.  The  passage  before 
us  is  plain  and  simple,  and  leads  us  to  take  two  views  of  be- 
lievers. 

Their  peculiarity.  '^  As  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spir- 
it of  God."  This  implies  that  all  are  not  led  by  Him. 
Some  are  led  by  another  spirit,  that  of  the  world.  But 
Christians  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God  into  the  way  of  truth. 
They  are  led,  not  driven,  —  sweetly  inclined,  not  forced. 
They  have  a;  pliable,  tender,  and  humble  spirit.  They  are 
led  in  the  path  of  duty,  —  the  Spirit  leads  them  to  the 
Cross,  the  throne  of  grace,  the  wells  of  salvation,  and  to  the 
performance  of  relative  as  well  as  religious  duties.  They 
are  led  into  the  pleasures  of  holiness,  and  finally  to  the  glo- 
ries of  heaven.     But  mark 

Their  privilege.  "  They  are  the  sons  of  God."  Adop- 
tion is  spiritual  in  its  character,  —  being  connected  with 
spiritual  objects,  desires,  and  associations ;  as  it  concerns  the 
spiritual  part  of  our  nature,  and  as  it  is  the  peculiar  work  of 
the  Spirit.  It  is  extensive  in  its  nature.  It  is  not  a  nominal 
privilege,  or  an  empty  title  ;  "  if  children,  then  heirs."  The 
liches  and  titles  of  tliis  world  do  not  always  go  together ;  but 
they  do  here.  It  is  eternal  in  its  duration.  God  does  not 
adopt  children  into  his  family,  and  then  discard  them.  The 
child  of  God  may  be  cast  down,  but  he  cannot  be  cast  off. 
3* 


30  THE    TSSTI^MOKY    OF   JESUS. 

JANUARY    25. 

THE  TESTIMONY  OF  JESUS. 

"  He  that  hath  received  his  testimony  hath  set  to  his  seal  that  God  is  true."  — 
Johu  iii.  33. 

This  was  the  language  of  .John  respecting  the  Saviour.  — 
He  discovered  a  noble  spirit,  devoid  of  every  thing  like  envy 
and  jealousy,  when  he  exclaimed,  "  He  must  increase  but  I 
must  decrease."  So  it  is  with  the  morning  star ;  it  shines 
brightly  till  the  sun  rises,  but  when  his  beams  reach  our  hori- 
zon, it  is  eclipsed  by  the  superior  lustre  of  the  luminary  of 
day.  Let  us  consider  the  testimony  of  Jesus  in  three  points 
of  view. 

As  RECORDED.     But  where  ?    In  the  Bible.     Note 

The  excellency  of  its  matter.  It  relates  to  subjects  of  the 
most  solemn  and  sublime  character,  the  nature,  perfections, 
;ind  government  of  God,  and  the  condition,  duties,  aud  desti- 
nies of  man. 

The  evidence  of  its  truth.  It  is  not  a  mere  unauthenticated 
report,  but  a  testimony  supported  by  the  most  undeniable  evi- 
dence ;  Jesus  presented  his  Divine  credentials,  and  confirmed 
his  testimony  by  signs  and  wonders. 

As  RECEIVED.  It  is  said,  "  No  man  receiveth  his  testi- 
mony ; "  that  is,  but  few,  in  comparison  with  those  who  reject 
it.     It  implies 

A  candid  hearing.  This  the  Gospel  demands  at  our 
hands.  Every  thing  in  religion  is  open  and  fair,  it  invites  us 
to  "  come  and  see,"  and  courts  our  investigation :  but  many 
reject  it  from  the  power  of  prejudice. 

A  firm  belief  It  must  have  your  full  credence,  as  that 
which  is  of  infinite  moment  to  your  best  interests. 

A  cordial  reception.  And  this  must  be  entire  in  its  na- 
ture, sincere  in  its  principle,  practical  in  its  tendency,  and 
pleasing  in  its  results. 

As  CONFIRMED.  We  Subscribe  to  certain  agreements  by 
signing  our  hand,  and  setting  our  seal.  To  this,  allusion  is 
here  made.  Look  at  the  substance  of  this  testimony.  "  God 
is  true."  Every  thing  around  us  tends  to  confirm  this.  He 
is  so  in  his  covenant  engagements,  purposes,  and  promises. 
The  manner  of  it  is  strikingly  expressed  —  "  Hath  set  to  his 
seal,"  as  a  solemn  and  deliberate  act.  Martyrs  did  it  with 
their  blood,  but  this  is  not  required  of  us.  The  importance 
of  it  will  appear,  if  we  consider  that  it  tends  to  God's  honor, 
our  own  satisfaction,  and  the  encouragement  of  others. 


PARDON    OF    SIX.  31 

JANUARY    26. 

PARDON  OF  SIN. 

"  I,  even  I,  am  he  that  blotteth  out  thy  transgressions  for  mine  own  sake,  anil  will 
not  remember  thj'  sins."  —  Isa.  xliii.  25. 

How  wonderfully  is  the  patience  of  God  displayed  towai'ds 
man.  The  history  of  the  world  presents  us  with  a  black 
picture  of  man's  crimes,  and  a  glowing  representation  of 
God's  mercies.  In  the  context  we  see  how  his  forbearance 
was  exercised  towards  Israel.  They  were  a  stiff-necked 
people,  but  he  had  a  tender  heart :  they  made  him  to  serve 
M'ith  their  sins,  but  he  restrained  his  judgments  ;  they  wearied 
him  with  iniquity,  but  he  loaded  them  with  his  mercy,  they 
obliterated  his  testimonies,  but  he  promised  to  blot  out  their 
transgressions.     Here  we  have 

An  affecting  truth  implied.  God  takes  notice  of  the 
sins  Ave  commit. 

They  are  recorded.  Thus  he  promises  to  blot  them  out. 
"  The  sin  of  Judah  is  written  with  a  pen  of  iron,  and  with 
the  point  of  a  diamond."  This  is  true  of  all  our  sins ;  they 
are  written  with  the  finger  of  God,  in  the  book  of  his 
omniscience. 

They  are  remembered.  We  may  soon  forget  the  particular 
scenes  and  circumstances  under  Avhich  they  were  committed, 
but  it  is  not  so  with  God.  They  are  remembered  against  us 
as  debts. 

An  encouraging  declaration  made. 

The  act.  It  is  the  blotting  out  of  sin.  The  record  is  made 
in  such  durable  characters  that  nothing  but  the  blood  of 
Christ  can  erase  it. 

The  Agent.  The  Almighty  claims  this  prerogative.  As 
if  he  had  said,  it  is  I,  even  I,  whom  you  have  offended, 
—  let  this  therefore  excite  your  wonder.  It  is  I,  even  I, 
who  have  power  to  do  it,  therefore  let  this  inspire  your  confi- 
dence. It  is  I,  even  I,  who  am  willing  to  do  it,  therefore  let 
this  encourage  your  hope. 

The  ground.  What  is  the  principle  on  which  it  is  be- 
stowed ?  "  For  mine  own  sake."  For  the  sake  of  his  great 
name,  his  amazing  love,  his  beloved  Son.  How  delightful 
are  the  feelings  with  which  this  blessing  is  associated !  The 
troubled  soul,  when  its  pardon  is  sealed,  enjoys  a  sweet  se- 
renity within,  like  the  mighty  ocean  in  a  calm,  reflecting 
without  a  rippled  wave  the  bright  and  azure  sky. 


a?  THE  CHIEF  SHEPHEKD. 

JANUARY  27. 

THE  CHIEF  SHEPHERD. 

"  And  when  the  chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  ye  shall  receive  a  crown  of  glory  that 
fadeth  not  away."  —  1  Pet.  t.  4. 

This  passage  refers  principally  to  ministers,  but  will  apply 
to  all  believers.     IMark 

The  illustrious  character  iktroduced.  "  The  chief 
Shepherd ; "  that  is,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Think  ot 

2^he  interest  he  takes  in  Ms  fiock.  He  makes  them  to  lie 
down  in  the  green  pastures  of  Divine  ordinances,  leads  them 
beside  the  still  waters  of  the  sanctuary,  and  takes  an  interest 
in  all  that  concerns  them. 

The  patience  he  exercises.  When  the  sheep  wander  from 
his  fold,  how  he  bears  with  their  infirmities,  and  brings  them 
back  again. 

The  superiority  he  claims.  There  are  many  under  shep- 
hei'ds  whom  he  employs,  but  he  is  designated  by  way  of  emi- 
nence the  chief  Shepherd ;  all  others  are  his  servants,  act 
under  his  direction,  and  bow  to  his  authority. 

The  future  appearance  expected.  There  are  several 
appearances  he  has  already  made.  He  appeared  to  our  fore- 
fathers as  the  angel  of  the  covenant,  and  in  human  flesh,  in 
the  fulness  of  time ;  he  now  appears  in  the  ministry  of  the 
Gospel  and  the  influence  of  his  Spirit ;  he  shall  appear  at 
death  to  conduct  his  flock  safely  over  Jordan's  streams  into 
Canaan's  happy  land,  where  he  shall  feed  them  and  lead  them 
by  living  fountains  of  waters  ;  and  he  shall  appear  at  the  last 
day  in  glory  and  majesty,  to  judge  the  world  in  righteousness. 

The  glorious  reward  anticipated.  "A  crown  of 
glory  that  fadeth  not  away."  A  crown,  unlike  the  garlands 
presented  to  the  successful  racer  or  wrestler  in  the  Grecian 
games,  which  were  made  of  dying  leaves,  and  soon  lost  their 
beauty.  This  is  a  purchased  crown.  By  sin  the  crown  has 
fallen  from  our  heads,  by  grace  it  is  restored.  An  unmerited 
crown.  The  believer's  is  not  a  hard-earned  living,  but  an  in- 
heritance. He  deserved  the  curse  rather  than  the  crown.  A 
splendid  croAvn.  A  crown  of  glory.  No  stain  can  tarnish  its 
lustre,  no  imperfection  diminish  its  worth.  A  crown  unat- 
tended with  cares.  Earthly  crowns  often  sit  uneasy  on  the 
brow  of  the  monarch,  vexations  attend  royalty,  and  misery  is 
found  in  a  palace.  An  incorruptible  crown.  It  fadeth  not 
away.     Be  it  my  highest  ambition  to  wear  it. 


FOLLOWING    GOD.  33 

JANUARY    28. 

FOLLOWING  GOD. 

'•  Be  yn  therefero  followers  of  God,  as  dear  children."  —  Eph.  v.  1. 

The  Scriptures  present  us  with  some  bright  examples  of 
jjiety  and  ck'S'otcdncss  to  God,  worthy  our  imitation ;  but  we 
are  only  to  follow  them  as  far  as  tliey  followed  God.  The 
Almighty  himself  is  our  higli  and  exalted  jiattern.  Two 
things  may  be  here  remarked  respecting  believers. 

Thk  high  character  tiiet  sustain.  "  Dear  children." 
This  is  expressive  of 

Intimate  relationship.  They  are  God's  children  in  a  pecu- 
liar sense,  by  adopting  mercy  and  regenerating  grace.  It  is 
a  relation  of  high  honor,  extensive  wealth,  exalted  privileges, 
and  glorious  expectations. 

Tender  affection.  "  Dear  children."  They  are  dear  to  the 
Father  ;  he  has  their  names  engraven  in  his  hand,  and  on  his 
heart.  Dear  to  the  Son.  The  sufferings  he  endured  and  the 
death  he  died,  prove  this.  Dear  to  the  Spirit.  He  has  illu- 
mined, quickened,  comforted,  and  sealed  them  to  the  day  of 
redemi)tion.  Dear  to  each  other,  as  members  of  the  same 
body,  children  of  the  same  parent,  partakers  of  the  same  na- 
ture, sharers  of  the  same  privileges,  and  destined  to  the  same 
honors. 

The  particular  conduct  they  are  to  exhibit.  "  Fol- 
lowers of  God."  What  a  model  for  our  imitation  !  Of  course, 
it  is  in  a  subordinate  sense  we  are  to  be  followers  of  him. 
Let  us  select  some  of  the  Divine  perfections,  to  which  this 
Christian  duty  will  apply  —  wisdom,  purity,  truth,  and  love. 
We  are  to  be  followers  of  the  wisdom  of  God,  by  a  search 
after  Divine  knowledge  ;  of  the  purity  of  God,  by  aiming 
after  true  holiness  ;  of  the  truth  of  God,  by  the  display  of  an 
upright  conduct ;  and  of  the  love  of  God,  by  the  exercise  of 
kind  dispositions. 

"  Unsullied  meeknes?,  truth  and  love, 
Through  all  thy  conduct  shine  ; 
0  may  my  whole  deportment  prove 
A  copy,  Lord,  of  thine." 


34  EXALTING    GOD. 

JANUARY    29. 

EXALTING   GOD. 

"  Thou  art  my  God,  I  ivill  exalt  thee."  —  Psahn  cxviii.  28. 

Believers  are  similar  in  tlieir  views  and  feelings,  plea- 
sures and  pursuits,  hopes  and  fears,  and  in  their  language ; 
they  all  speak  the  same  thing.  The  sentiment  before  us  ex- 
presses the  feeling  of  every  believer's  heart.     Here  is 

A  SOLEMN  DECLARATION.  "  Thou  art  my  God."  So  says 
the  miser  to  his  gold,  so  the  epicure  to  his  luxurious  delica- 
cies, the  drunkard  to  the  intoxicating  draught,  the  voluptuary 
to  his  pleasures.  So  says  the  Christian  to  his  Maker.  Tliis 
is  the  language  of  strong  faith,  deep  humility,  great  wonder, 
and  unspeakable  joy.  It  has  been  well  remarked,  if  we  would 
not  have  the  ivy  to  creep  on  the  ground,  we  must  erect  an 
object  which  it  can  embrace,  and  by  embracing,  ascend  ;  and 
if  we  would  detach  the  heart  from  embracing  the  dust,  we 
must  give  to  it  another  and  a  nobler  object.  Such  an  one  is 
the  Christian's. 

A  NOBLE  RESOLUTION.  "  I  will  exalt  thee."  We  cannot 
make  God  more  glorious  than  he  is,  for  he  is  exalted  above 
all  blessing  and  praise. 

Exalt  him  in  the  heart,  hy  yielding  to  him  your  poxvers  and 
faculties.  He  is  to  be  exalted  in  the  thoughts,  aft'ections,  de- 
sires and  purposes  of  the  heart. 

Exalt  him  with  your  tongue,  hy  shoiving  forth  his  praise. 
All  his  woi'ks  praise  him;  and  shall  man  alone  be  silent? 
The  planetary  system,  in  order,  majesty,  and  glory,  the  cattle 
upon  a  thousand  hills,  the  myriads  of  fish  in  the  mighty  ocean, 
the  winged  tribes  that  are  found  in  the  wade  expanse  of  the 
aerial  regions,  cherubim  and  seraphim,  that  bow  before  the 
throne,  and  all  the  angelic  hosts  and  glorified  spirits  in  the 
heaven  of  heavens,  utter  one  voice,  and  it  is  the  sound  of 
praise.  Exalt  him  by  speaking  to  him  in  prayer,  of  him  in 
praise,  and  for  him  in  a  way  of  I'ecommendation. 

Exalt  him  in  your  conduct,  hy  living  to  his  glory.  Thus  you 
are  to  hold  forth  the  word  df  life,  by  a  becoming  spirit,  a  holy 
carriage,  and  a  consistent  course.  Be  this  my  daily,  hourly 
work  ;  and  may  my  heart,  like  a  well-tuned  instrument,  resound 
his  praise. 

"  0  may  I  breathe  no  longer  than  I  breathe 
My  soul  in  praise  to  Him  -who  gave  ray  soul." 


believers'  titles.  35 

JANUARY   30. 

BELIEVERS'  TITLES. 

"  Holy  brethren,  partakers  of  the  licayenly  calling."  —  Heb.  iii.  1  < 

The  Apostle  is  here  speaking  of  believers  ;  bow  beautiful 
and  striking  the  description  lie  gives  of  them  !     Observe 

The  dignified  appellation.  —  He  calls  them 

Brethren.  The  church  of  God  is  a  family;  united,  happy, 
spiritual,  peaceful,  and  honorable.  It  is  now  divided  ;  part  is 
in  heaven  and  part  on  earth.  Christians  are  assimilated  to 
the  same  likeness,  interested  in  the  same  righteousness,  ani- 
mated by  the  same  affection,  guided  by  the  same  rules,  des- 
tined to  the  same  home.     He  styles  them 

Holy.  They  are  set  apart  for  holy  purposes,  possessed  of 
holy  qualities,  influenced  by  holy  motives,  partakers  of  holy 
joys,  and  bound  for  a  holy  place.  Their  principles,  disposi- 
tions, secret  thouglits,  and  the  development  of  their  character, 
are  connected  with  holiness.     He  speaks  of  them  as 

Partakers  of  the  heavenly  calling.  Contemplate  its  nature  ; 
it  is  the  calling  of  the  Spirit,  addressed  to  the  heart.  It  is  a 
sovereign,  honorable,  and  high  calling.  Consider  its  property, 
"  heavenly."  In  its  origin,  eflicacy,  tendency,  and  termina- 
tion, it  is  heavenly.  Look  at  its  participation,  believers  are 
"  partakers  "  of  it.  This  is  something  more  than  a  profession. 
Religion  is  personal  and  experimental  in  its  character.  Am 
I  a  partaker  of  it  ?  Do  I  feel  heaven  begun  in  my  heart  ? 
Aspire,  my  soul,  to  this  honor  ;  see  the  world's  vanity,  empti- 
ness, and  delusions.  "Were  every  dew-drop^  a  diamond,  every 
atom  a  world,  and  every  world  filled  with  gold,  all  would  not 
satisfy  the  boundless  desires  of  the  immortal  soul. 

Ho-\v  blest  the  sacred  tic  that  binds, 
In  sweet  communion,  kindred  minds  ! 
How  swift  the  heavenly  course  they  run. 
Whose  hearts,  whose  faith,  whose  hopes  are  one  ! 

To  each  the  soul  of  each  how  dear  ! 
What  tender  love,  what  holy  fear  ! 
How  doth  the  generous  flame  within 
Refine  from  earth,  and  cleanse  from  sin  ! 

Nor  shall  the  glowing  flame  expire, 
When  dimly  burns  frail  nature's  fire  ; 
Then  shall  they  meet  in  realms  above, 
A  heaven  of  joy,  a  heaven  of  love. 


36  THE    CONTEMPLATION    OF    CHRIST. 

JANUARY   31. 

THE  CONTEMPLATION  OF  CHEIST. 

"  Consider  the  Apostle  and  High  Priest  of  our  profession,  Christ  Jesus." — Heb.  iii.  1.^ 

Nature  presents  us  with  a  lovely  mirror,  in  whicli  we  see 
much  of  God  in  his  nature  and  perfections  ;  but  the  view  is  con- 
tracted, when  compared  with  the  bi'ighter  exhibition  furnished 
in  the  glass  of  the  Gospel,  where  his  whole  name  appears 
complete,  and  his  attributes  shine  with  a  united,  harmonious 
and  magnificent  splendor.  The  glory  of  God  is  best  seen  in 
the  face  of  Christ.     Here  is 

A  GLORIOUS  SUBJECT.  "  The  Apostle  and  High  Priest 
of  our  profession,  Christ  Jesus."  Look  at  the  terms  which 
Paul  uses  in  speaking  of  the  Saviour  :  "  The  Apostle,"  that 
is,  one  sent  of  God.  Jesus  was  sent  on  a  glorious  work,  in- 
volving the  endless  happiness  of  millions  of  the  human  race. 
"  The  High  Priest  of  our  profession."  Our  profession,  if  we 
are  true  Christians,  is  a  holy,  honorable,  solemn,  and  sacred 
one ;  and  Jesus,  as  our  High  Priest,  has  made  an  atonement, 
and  is  now  interceding  for  his  people.  They  are  priests,  but 
he  is  the  High  Priest ;  they  offer  sacrifices,  but  he  presents 
them  to  the  Father.  As  an  Apostle,  he  was  superior  to  Mo- 
ses, and  as  an  High  Priest  greater  than  Aaron.  The  design 
of  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews  is  to  prove  this. 

A  SOLEMN  INJUNCTION.  "  Consider"  his  pre-existent  glory, 
his  sovereign  grace,  his  matchless  excellences,  and  his  bound- 
less dominion.  Consider  the  scenes  of  his  life,  the  severity 
of  his  sufferings,  the  circumstances  of  his  death,  the  triumph 
of  his  resurrection  and  ascension,  and  the  magnitude  of  his 
work.  Consider  the  example  he  has  left,  the  ordinances  he 
has  enjoined,  and  the  privileges  he  has  entailed  on  his  people. 
Wrapt  in  a  contemplation  so  glorious,  brighter  beams  than 
those  of  the  natural  sun  shall  irradiate  your  path ;  instead  of 
the  desolating  tempest,  you  shall  have  the  refreshing  shower ; 
sweet  and  fragrant  flowers  shall  be  seen  here  and  there, 
among  the  thorns  and  briers  of  the  wilderness.  Jordan's 
streams  shall  not  ingulf  you,  for  your  High  Priest  has  gone 
before,  and  is  waiting  to  welcome  you  on  the  peaceful  shores 
of  the  celestial  Canaan.     Will  you  not  consider  Him  ? 


.  god's  children.  37 

february  1. 
GOD'S  CHILDREN. 

"  All  thy  children  shall  be  taught  of  the  Lord  ;  and  great  shall  be  the  peace  of  thy 
children."  —  Isa.  liv.  13. 

What  glorious  things  are  spoken  of  Zion !  her  enemies 
shall  be  confounded,  her  friends  exalted,  her  subjects  in- 
creased, and  her  God  glorified.  Our  text  is  one  out  of  a  rich 
cluster  of  promises  respecting  the  prosperity  of  the  church. 
Let  us  contemplate  believers  in  three  ways. 

The  character  they  bear.  They  are  God's  children. 
Observe 

The  change  they  experience.  It  is  a  radical  change,  the 
heart  being  the  subject  of  it.  They  ai-e  born  again,  renovated 
by  Divine  grace,  created  anew  in  Christ. 

The  conduct  they  display.  They  have  the  feelings  and  dis- 
positions of  children,  and  yield  a  dutiful  obedience  to  the  Di- 
vine commands. 

The  glories  they  anticipate.  Being  children,  they  become 
heirs.  They  have  much  in  possession,  and  more  in  prospect. 
By  the  designation  of  children,  we  are  reminded  of  their 
present  imperfections.  They  are  children  in  knowledge, 
grace,  and  holiness  ;  but  soon  they  shall  attain  to  the  stature  of 
a  perfect  man. 

The  instructions  they  receive.  They  are  taught  of 
the  Lord.  The  lessons  are  important,  the  means  are  simple, 
and  the  Teacher  is  Divine.  The  best  lessons  are  learnt,  not 
in  the  schools  of  the  philosopher,  but  at  the  feet  of  Jesus. 

The  blessing  they  enjoy.  "  Great  shall  be  the  peace 
of  thy  children."  There  is  the  enjoyment  of  peace  in  them- 
selves, and  the  pursuit  of  peace  with  each  other.  Nothing 
can  equal  that  serenity  of  mind  which  results  from  reconcili- 
ation with  God.  It  is  not  like  the  stillness  that  precedes  the 
raging  storm,  but  resembles  the  face  of  nature,  calm  and 
serene,  on  a  fine  summer's  evening. 

"  Thou  great  and  good,  thou  just  and  wise, 
Thou  art  my  Father  and  my  God  ; 
And  I  am  thine,  bj'  sacred  ties, 
Thy  son,  thy  servant,  bought  with  blood." 


38  SPIRITUAL    DESEUTIOX. 

FEBRUARY    2. 

SPIRITUAL  DESEETION. 

"  Who  is  among  you  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that  oheyeth  the  voice  of  his  servant, 
that  walketh  in  darkness,  and  liatli  no  light  ?  Let  him  trust  in  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
and  stay  upon  his  God."  —  Isa.  I.  10. 

WhIt  mysteries  are  there  connected  with  the  life  of  a 
Christian  !  He  enjoys  peace,  and  yet  he  is  engaged  in  a  con- 
tinual conflict ;  he  is  quickened,  and  yet  he  often  complains 
of  his  dulness ;  he  has  spiritual  light,  and  yet  sometimes 
walks  in  darkness.     Note 

A  Christian's  character  described.  Two  things 
with  regard  to  him  are  here  stated. 

The  principle  he  possesses.  Fear.  Religion  is  called  the 
fear  of  the  Lord.  It  is  divinely  implanted  in  the  heart,  and 
exerts  its  influence  in  the  life. 

The  practice  he  pursues.  Obedience.  Christ  as  Mediator, 
is  the  Father's  servant,  and  our  Lord,  whose  we  are,  and 
whom  we  serve.  Our  obedience  must  be  sincere,  cheerful, 
and  constant  in  its  exercise. 

A  case  of  trial  supposed.  "  Walking  in  darkness." 
This  is  the  case 

When  the  presence  of  God  is  unthdraum.  Sometimes  he 
hides  himself,  but  it  is  only  for  a  small  moment.  Job,  David, 
and  others,  felt  this. 

When  the  operations  of  the  Spirit  are  loitltheld.  Some- 
times, like  Pilgrim,  the  Christian  loses  his  scroll,  and  goes 
on  mourning ;  or,  like  Saul,  slumbers,  and  loses  his  spear 
and  cruse. 

When  his  prospects  for  eternity  are  darhened, 

"  He  wants  to  read  his  title  clear 
To  mansions  in  the  skies  ;" 

but  he  cannot,  and  cries,  O  for  a  beam  of  celestial  light  to 
dart  upon  my  benighted  soul,  to  guide  me  in  my  path ! 
A  source  op  comfort  opened.  Observe 
The  interest  he  may  claim.  "  His  God."  The  certainty 
of  our  interest  in  him  does  not  depend  on  frames  and  feelings. 
He  is  our  God  as  really  in  the  storm  and  tempest,  as  when 
our  sky  is  bright.  The  firmament  may  be  overhung  with 
clouds,  so  as  to  obstruct  from  our  view  the  glorious  luminary 
of  day ;  so  the  clouds  of  our  guilt,  imperfections,  and  doubts, 
may  for  a  time  intercept  the  bright  beams  of  the  Sun  of 
righteousness,  but  still  he  shines. 


iiiDii^G  god's  avokd  in  ouu  heakt.  39 

The  confidence  he  may  repose.  Let  him  trust  and  stay  upon 
his  God.  Nothing  for  a  moment  must  induce  us  to  give  up 
our  hold  of  his  promise.  UUimately  he  will  scatter  every 
mystery.  Ultimately  he  will  scatter  every  cloud,  quell  every 
fear,  resolve  every  doubt,  and  explain  every  mystery. 


FEBRUARY    6. 

HIDING  GOD'S  WORD  IN  OUR  HEART. 

'•  Thy  word  havcl  hid  in  mine  heart,  that  I  might  not  sin  against  thee."  — Psalm 
cxix. 11. 

David's  attachment  to  the  word  of  God  is  worthy  the  imi- 
tation of  all  believers.  It  was  the  source  of  his  joy,  the  food 
of  his  soul,  his  companion  in  retirement,  and  his  guide  through 
life.     Here  w^e  have 

A  WISE  COURSE  TO  BE  ADOPTED.  To  hide  God's  word 
in  our  heart.  It  may  be  found  in  the  house,  in  the  head,  in 
the  memory,  and  yet  not  in  the  heart.     This  includes 

Reception.  Where  it  is  hidden,  it  must  be  received  ;  and 
where  it  is  received,  the  judgment  approves,  the  affections 
embrace,  the  heart  feels,  and  the  life  conforms  to  it. 

Regard.  Many  things  are  hidden,  not  so  much  for  con- 
cealment as  security.  Thus  our  Saviour  speaks  of  the  "tx-eas- 
ure  hid  in  a  field."  The  man  who  prizes  God's  word  will 
not  rest  satisfied  till  it  is  deposited  in  his  heart. 

Remembrance.  It  is  hidden  in  him,  as  something  to  which 
he  has  constant  recourse.  Memory  is  the  hiding  of  certain 
objects  in  the  mind  for  future  use.  A  sanctified  memory  is 
preferable  to  a  good  natural  one.  The  spirit  of  the  word  may 
be  felt  in  the  heart,  Avhere  the  letter  is  not  retained  in  the 
memory. 

An  IMPORTANT  END  TO  BE    ANSWERED.       "That    I    might 

not  sin  against  thee."  Such  a  course,  if  it  does  not  keep  us 
free,  yet  it  will  restrain  us  from  sin.  There  are  some  partic- 
ular seasons  when  it  Avill  prove  a  safeguard.  It  will  silence 
our  murmurings  in  the  day  of  aflliction,  it  will  prevent  our 
yielding  in  the  hour  of  temptation,  it  will  keep  us  from  des- 
pairing in  the  period  of  desertion,  and,  amidst  our  heaviest 
trials,  it  will  lead  us  to  the  exercise  of  confidence  in  our  hea- 
venly Father  ;  and  we  sliall  resemble  the  affrighted  bird  on 
some  lofty  tjpee,  in  the  midst  of  the  howling  wind  and  storm  ; 
though  her  pleasing  notes  are  for  a  season  checked,  yet  she 
fixes  herself  more  firmlv  on  the  shaking  bough. 


40  THE    DIVINE    PREFERENCE. 

FEBRUARY    4. 

THE   DIVINE   PREFERENCE. 

"  The  Lord  loveth  the  gates  of  Zion  more  than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob."'  —  Psalm 
IxxxTii.  2. 

In  this  psalm  glorious  things  are  spoken  of  tlie  literal 
Mount  Zion,  as  typical  of  the  Gospel  church.  One  of  these 
we  have  before  us.     Let  us  notice 

The  PLACES  mentioned.  "  The  dwellings  of  Jacob,  and 
the  gates  of  Zion."  By  the  dwellings  of  Jacob  we  are  to  un- 
derstand religious  families,  where  secret  and  social  prayer 
are  observed,  and  the  Almighty  is  both  acknowledged  and 
adored.  Respecting  such  families  it  may  be  said,  Jehovah 
Shammah,  the  Lord  is  there.  How  delightful  would  it  be  if 
in  every  dwelling  there  was  an  altar  erected  to  God !  Tlie 
gates  of  Zion  denote  public  religious  assemblies.  Every  ordi- 
nance may  be  called  agate  of  Zion  :  here  the  righteous  desire 
to  be  found ;  here  they  knock,  and  wait,  and  watch  ;  and  here 
they  are  welcome. 

The  preference  given.  The  language  is  forcible  :  — 
"  The  Lord  loveth  the  gates  of  Zion  more  than  all  the  dwell- 
ings of  Jacob."     But  why  is  this  the  case  ? 

Because  there  he  is  more  glorified.  A  public  acknowledg- 
ment of  the  excellences  of  an  individual  tends  more  to  his 
honor  than  a  private  encomium.  It  was  more  honorable  to 
David  and  Saul  that  a  multitude  publicly  shouted  the  praises 
of  their  victories,  than  if  one  or  two  had  spoken  of  it  in  the 
social  circle.  God  is  glorified  in  families  where  a  few^  exalt 
his  name,  but  more  so  in  his  temple,  where  every  one  speaks 
of  his  glory. 

Because  there  he  displays  more  ofliis  poiver  in  the  conver- 
sion of  sinners.  There  his  goings  forth  are  seen,  there  he 
performs  wonders  by  the  rod  of  his  strength,  there  he  builds 
up  his  church,  there  continual  accessions  are  made  to  its  num- 
bers ;  there,  when  the  mind  is  shaded  by  solemn  reflection, 
rays  of  glory  shine  from  above,  and  heaven  is  brought  down 
to  man. 

Because  it  more  resembles  heavenly  ivorship.  There  are  no 
secret  or  private  acts  of  worship  in  heaven,  all  is  public. 
What  a  vast  assembly,  every  heart  tuned  to  Jehovah's  praise, 
and  no  jarring  sound  to  disturb  the  harmony  !  If  God  loves 
the  gates  of  Zion,  shall  not  we  ?     0  yes,  we  will, 

"  We  have  been  thei"C,  and  stDl  would  go, 
'Tis  like  a  little  heaven  below." 


A    CATHOLIC    SriUlT.  41 

FEBRUARY    5. 

A   CATHOLIC   SPIRIT. 

"  Grace  be  with  all  them  that  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  iu  siucerity."  —  Eph.  vi.  24. 

TriJS  is  a  good  finish  to  Paul's  letter  to  the  Ephesians.  lie 
concludes  as  he  commences,  by  expi-essing  a  wish  that  those 
to  whom  he  wrote  might  be  in  the  enjoyment  of  God's  grace. 

Tin:  TITLES  ASCRIBED  TO  TiTE  SxVViouR.     Here  we  have 

His  essential  dignity.  "  Lord."  The  divinity  of  Christ  is 
one  of  the  brightest  gems  in  the  cabinet  of  truth.  He  is  the 
Lord  of  all :  sceptres,  thrones,  monarchs,  princes,  dominions, 
and  ]iowers,  are  all  subject  to  him. 

His  official  character.  "  Jesus,"  the  Saviour.  How  sweet 
his  name  to  the  awakened  soul !  It  is  as  ointment  poured 
tbrth,  so  reviving  and  cheering.  His  blood  secures  our  par- 
don in  the  sight  of  God,  and  sanctifies  the  heart. 

His  mediatorial  gualijication.  "  Christ,"  that  is,  the 
Anointed.  The  Spirit  was  given  without  measure  to  him,  as 
our  Head  and  Representative. 

TilE  LOVE  EXPERIENCED  BY  TDE   CHRISTIAN. 

It  is  real  in  its  nature  ;  '*  in  sincerity."  This  is  the  very 
soul  of  religion  ;  a  heart  attracted  with,  and  fixed  on  Christ. 

It  is  svjoerlatire  in  its  degree.  Love,  when  creatures  are 
the  objects  of  it,  should  be  like  ordinary  rivers,  kept  within 
banks  and  bounds ;  but  when  God  is  the  object  of  it,  it  should 
overflow  like  the  Nile,  and  spread  like  a  sea  without  limit. 
God  loves  a  broken,  but  not  a  divided  heart. 

It  is  active  in  its  operations.  Where  the  love  of  Christ  is 
shed  abroad  in  the  heart,  it  will  have  a  powerful  influence  in 
the  life.  If  the  fire  of  love  is  kindled  within,  the  flames  of 
zeal  will  burn  without. 

The  DESIRlOjEXPRESSED  BY  THE  APOSTLE.       It    shoWCd  R 

Christian  and  a  catholic  spirit.  What  was  its  nature  ?  The 
blessing  he  implored  for  his  believing  friends  was  grace  ;  not 
in  the  possession,  but  in  the  continuance.  Those  who  love 
Christ  have  grace,  but  he  wished  them  to  have  more  grace. 
What  was  its  extent?  "All  that  loved  Christ."  Here  is 
nothing  like  a  sectarian  spirit.  Paul's  heart  and  hands  were 
open  to  receive  and  embrace  all  the  followers  of  Jesus,  irre- 
spective of  their  outward  station  in  life,  or  their  peculiar  views 
of  truth.  So  let  it  be  with  us :  let  us  cheerfully  take  by  the 
hand  all  who  hold  the  Head. 


42  THE    EVERLASTING    COVENANT. 

rEBETJARY    6. 

THE   EVEELASTING   COVENANT. 

' '  He  hath  made  with  me  an  everlasting  covenant,  ordered  in  all  things,  and  suie  ;  for 
this  is  all  my  salvation,  and  all  my  desire."  —  2  Sam.  xxiii.  5. 

Though  David's  house  was  "  not  so  with  God,"  as  he 
could  have  wished,  and  his  domestic  trials  were  numerous  and 
severe,  yet  he  rejoiced  in  the  personal  interest  he  possessed 
in  the  Divine  favor.  The  subject  for  our  contemplation  in 
this  exercise  is  God's  everlasting  covenant.     Note 

Its  CONTENTS.  "What  does  God  promise  and  engage  to 
do  for  his  people  ? 

To  protect  them  hy  his  poioer.  In  the  midst  of  dangers, 
cares,  anxieties,  and  changing  scenes,  how  cheering  and  de- 
lightful the  fact  of  a  special  and  overruling  providence  ? 

To  supply  them  with  his  grace.  There  is  a  constant  com- 
munication kept  up  between  the  believer  and  God.  He  im- 
parts grace  for  duty,  trials  and  temptations ;  for  living  and 
dying. 

To  admit  them  to  glory.  Divine  choice,  effectual  calling, 
grace,  and  glory,  are  four  links  of  a  golden  chain,  which  can 
never  be  broken,  because  they  are  united  by  an  omnipotent 
hand. 

Its  PROPERTIES.  Three  things  are  stated  concerning  it. 
Its  duration.  An  "  everlasting  covenant."  It  was  drawn  up, 
its  arrangements  made,  and  its  blessings  inserted,  from  eter- 
nity ;  and  it  is  everlasting  in  its  continuance.  Its  complete- 
ness. "  Ordered  in  all  things."  In  agreements  between  man 
and  man,  the  greatest  care  must  be  taken  to  insert  every 
necessary  particular.  In  this  covenant  every  blessing  is  in- 
cluded, from  the  first  glimmer  of  hope  before  the  cross,  to  the 
full  blaze  of  glory  before  the  throne.  Its  seqprity,  "  Sure." 
It  is  sure  in  the  principles  on  which  it  is  founded,  the  bless- 
ings it  contains,  the  promises  it  gives,  and  in  its  conveyance 
to  all  believers.  It  is  secured  by  the  oath  of  God,  the  blood 
of  Christ,  and  the  seal  of  the  Spirit. 
Its  VALUE.  This  will  appear  because 
It  is  the  ground  of  cdl  our  hopes.  "  All  my  salvation."  The 
law  will  serve  as  a  rule  of  life,  but  not  as  a  covenant  for  salva- 
tion. The  blood  of  Christ  alone  can  speak  peace  to  the  trou- 
bled conscience. 

It  is  the  consummation  of  all  our  wishes.    "  All  my  desire." 


REMEMBKANCE    OP    CHIUST's    LOVE.  43 

It  is  to  the  covenant  God  lias  made  witli  us,  we  refer,  as  that 
which  is  connected  with  our  highest  ambition,  and  which  forms 
the  source  of  our  comfort  under  every  trial.  Is  this  seci'et  of 
the  Lord  with  you,  and  has  he  shown  you  his  covenant  ? 


FEBRUARY    7. 

EEMEMBRANCE   OF   CHRIST'S   LOVE. 

"  We  ■will  remember  thy  love."  —  Cant.  i.  4. 

What  a  wonderful  faculty  is  the  memory  !  It  produces  in 
the  mind  a  kind  of  resurrection  of  past  scene's  and  circum- 
stances. We  do  well  fo  cultivate  the  exercise  of  it,  with 
regard  to  the  things  of  God.     Note  here 

The  subject  op  remembrance.  It  is  one  of  the  deep- 
est interest  and  highest  importance  to  which  we  can  refer. 
Let  us  remember 

Its  antiquity.  It  is  from  everlasting ;  before  the  creation 
of  the  world,  or  the  music  of  the  sphei'es. 

Its  freeness.  It  is  shown  to  those  who  neither  deserved  nor 
desired  it,  nor  could  make  any  adequate  return. 

Its  development.  The  love  that  consists  in  words  does  not 
deserve  the  name.  We  see  its  designs  in  the  Divine  purposes, 
and  its  displays  in  the  Divine  proceedings.  The  love  of  Chri.st 
was  manifested  in  his  own  person  Avhen  he  was  on  earth,  and 
by  his  Spirit  now  he  is  in  heaven.     Its  duration  is  eternal. 

The  remembrance  of  the  subject.     It  must  be 
With  feeliiigs  of  gratitude  and  joy.     This  will  especially  be 
the  case  in  our  devotional  exercises,  when  the  mind  is  softened 
by  meditation ;  in  prayer,  reading  the  Scriptures,  and  at  the 
sacramental  table. 

It  must  he  continual.  We  must  live,  and  act,  and  suffer,  and 
die,  in  the  remembrance  of  it.  It  will  be  an  ingredient  to 
sweeten  the  bitter  waters  of  affliction,  give  a  relish  to  the 
streams  of  comfort,  and  bear  us  up  in  the  swellings  of  Jordan. 

It  must  he  practical.  It  will  lead  to  a  steady  adherence  to 
the  cause  of  Christ,  the  conscientious  performance  of  duty, 
and  the  patient  endurance  of  trials  ;  it  will  moderate  our  at- 
tachment to  earthly  objects,  and  draw  our  souls  to  God,  the 
great  centre  of  attraction. 


44       THE  EXCELLENCY  OF  THE  DIVINE  BEING. 
FEBRUARY  8. 

THE  EXCELLENCY  OF  THE  DIVINE  BEING. 

"  God  is  a  Spirit."  — Jolin  iv.  24. 

When  a  celebrated  heatlien  poet  was  asked  bj  a  certain 
monarch,  What  is  God  ?  he  demanded  a  day  to  tliink  upon 
it ;  at  the  close  of  which  he  desired  two  days  more  ;  at  the 
expiration  of  that  time  he  requested  four  days  in  addition. 
The  king,  surprised,  asked  him  what  he  meant  by  it ;  to  which 
the  poet  answered,  —  "  The  more  I  think  of  God,  the  more 
incomprehensible  and  mysterious  he  appears."  There  are 
three  concise  descriptions  given  of  the  Almighty  in  Scrip- 
ture ;  —  God  is  light,  God  is  love,  and  God  is  a  Spirit. 

He  is  the  most  excellent  o»  all  beings.  We  who 
dwell  in  tabernacles  of  clay,  so  intimately  connected  with 
flesh  and  blood,  and  so  naturally  impresssed  with  sensible  ob- 
jects, cannot  possibly  know  much  of  the  nature  of  a  spirit. 
We  cannot  understand  what  our  own  souls  are ;  we  know  less 
of  the  nature  of  angels,  which  are  of  a  superior  order  to  us ; 
and  infinitely  less  can  we  conceive  of  the  nature  of  the  Father 
of  spirits.  God  has  in  him  all  the  perfections  of  a  spiritual 
nature ;  and  since  we  have  no  notion  of  any  kind  of  spiritual 
property  but  what  we  discover  in  our  own  souls,  we  join  infini- 
tude to  each  of  these  properties,  and  what  is  a  faculty 
in  a  human  soul  becomes  an  attribute  in  God.  We  exist  in 
place  and  time,  the  Divine  Being  fills  the  immensity  of  space 
with  his  presence,  and  inhabits  eternity.  We  are  possessed 
of  limited  poAver  and  knowledge,  he  is  almighty  and  om- 
niscient. He  is  light  without  darkness,  love  without  unkind- 
ness,  good  vvithout  evil,  and  purity  without  uncleanness.  "■  0 
Lord,  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth ! " 

He  is  a  living  and  active  being.  When  we  speak  of  a 
spirit,  life  and  activity  are  imjjlied  in  the  term.  Vegetable,  an- 
imal, intellectual,  spiritual,  and  eternal  life  are  derived  from 
him.  He  is  styled,  by  way  of  eminence,  "  the  living  God." 
The  capacity  of  acting  by  himself,  or  in  Trinity  of  persons  in 
one  undivided  Godhead,  he  possessed  before  any  creature  was 
formed ;  otherwise  he  could  not  have  created  all  things  by  a 
word,  —  and  we  are  assured  that  he  shall  continue  to  order 
and  govern  all  things  to  the  glory  of  his  great  name ;  "  for 
of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him,  are  all  things  ;  to  whom 
be  glory  for  ever,  amen."     We  here  see  that  the  knowledge 


PASSING    OUR   TIME    IN    FEAR.  45 

of  God  in  the  Gospel  is  infinitely  more  glorious  than  the 
knowledge  of  him  in  nature,  inasmuch  as  Scripture  revela- 
tion is  above  natural  reason ;  let  us  seek  the  knowledge  of 
him  in  our  own  experience. 


FEBRUARY    9. 

PASSING   OUR  TIME   IN   FEAR. 

"  Pass  the  time  of  your  sojourning  liere  in  fear." — 1  Peter  i.  17. 

Having  in  the  foregoing  exercise  noticed  the  nature  of  the 
Christian's  life,  let  us  now  consider 

The  manner  in  which  it  should  be  spent.  "  In 
fear."  We  must  bear  in  mind  that  there  is  a  fear  that  is  cen- 
surable, and  a  fear  that  is  commendable.  We  are  not  to  fear 
man,  neither  are  we  to  fear  so  as  to  distrust  God.  But  we 
must  pass  the  time  of  our  sojourning  here  — 

In  the  fear  of  revereyxce.  When  w'e  contrast  the  Divine 
Majesty  with  our  meanness,  there  is  enough  to  call  forth,  not 
a  dread,  but  a  holy  fear  of  God.  Saints  in  every  age  have 
been  characterized  by  this  filial  fear.  "  The  fear  of  the  Lord 
is  the  beginning  of  wisdom  ; "  and  we  are  to  "  perfect  holi- 
ness in  the  fear  of  God."  It  is  an  implanted  principle :  "  I 
will  put  my  fear  in  their  heaiis,"  says  God.  It  is  a  govern- 
ing and  restraining  principle  ;  "  So  did  not  I,"  says  Nehemi- 
ah,  "  because  of  the  fear  of  God."  It  is  connected  with  joy, 
and  prosperity  of  soul :  thus  it  is  said  of  the  primitive  believ- 
ers, they  "  were  edified  and  walking  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
and  in  the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Ghost  were  multipUed."  We 
must  pass  the  time  of  our  sojourning  here  — 

In  the  fear  of  caution.  For  the  way  in  which  the  Christian 
pilgrim  is  travelling  is  beset  with  snares  and  temptations. 
This  caution  is  necessary  in  reference  to  our  sinful  and  cor- 
rupt natures,  and  all  our  spiritual  adversaries. 

In  the  fear  of  anxiety.  I  mean  a  deep  concern  and  solici- 
tude as  to  the  safety  of  our  state.  The  Christian  does  not 
fear  that  he  shall  perish  in  the  way  everlasting,  but  some- 
times doubts  whether  he  is  in  it  or  not.  He  does  not  fear  that 
God  will  not  complete  his  work  of  grace ;  but  the  matter  of  his 
anxiety  is,  whether  tliat  work  has  been  begun  in  him.  Reader, 
how  do  you  regard  this  world  ?  Are  you  a  stranger,  or  a  set- 
tler ?  —  a  denizen  of  the  world,  or  a  citizen  of  heaven  ?  "  Let 
us  therefore  fear,  lest,  a  promise  being  left  us  of  entering  into 
his  rest,  any  of  you  should  seem  to  come  short  of  it." 


46  THE    SCRIPTURAL    TESTIMONY. 

FEBRUARY    10. 

THE  SCRIPTUEE  TESTIMONY. 

'•  The  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple.'-  —  Psalm  xix.  7. 

Bishop  Home  beautifully  remarks  on  the  book  of  Psalms, 
"  The  fairest  productions  of  human  wit,  after  a  few  perusals, 
like  gathered  flowers,  wither  in  our  hands,  and  lose  their 
fragrancj  ;  but  these  unfading  plants  of  paradise  become,  as 
we  are  accustomed  to  them,  still  more  and  more  beautiful ; 
their  bloom  appears  to  be  daily  heightened,  fresh  odors  are 
emitted,  and  new  sweets  are  extracted  from  them.  Contem- 
plate God's  word 

In  its  nature.  "The  testimony  of  the  Lord."  Ex- 
amine its  contents. 

It  is  a  testimony  of  jiian's  sin.  Thus  it  is  a  testimony 
against  the  human  race.  Here  God  testifies  against  his  ci'ea- 
tures  for  their  ingratitude,  rebellion,  sinfulness,  and  indiffer- 
ence. 

It  is  a  testimony  of  God's  grace.  The  Scripture  is  a  well 
of  water,  on  the  surface  of  which,  if  you  cast  your  eye,  you 
.M'ill  see  reflected  both  the  image  of  God,  and  your  own  like- 
ness. Christ  says  of  the  Sacred  Writings,  "  They  ai-e  they 
which  testify  of  me."  They  testify  of  his  glory,  grace,  ful- 
ness, love,  and  salvation,  and  of  the  operations  of  his  Spirit. 

It  is  a  testimony  of  a  future  state.  In  the  writings  of  the 
heathen  philosophers,  what  is  there  to  comfort  the  mind  in 
the  prospect  of  death,  or  to  irradiate  the  darkness  of  the 
sepulchre  ?  But  "  life  and  immortality  are  brought  to  light 
by  the  Gospel."     Look  at  God's  word 

In  its  property.  "  It  is  sure."  Some  sayings  are  false, 
but  "  this  is  a  faithful  saying ; "  some  are  not  worth  listening 
to,  but  this  is  "  worthy  of  all  acceptation  ; "  some  are  uncer- 
tain, but  this  is  "  sure  ;"  some  though  true  are  trifling,  but 
"  this  is  life  eternal."  Its  authenticity  might  be  argued  from 
the  character  of  its  Author,  the  fulfilment  of  prophecy,  and 
the  power  of  religion.  Every  Christian  is  a  living  witness 
that  "  the  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure."     View  God's  word 

In  its  eepects.  "Making  wise  the  simple."  By  the 
grace  of  God  it  enlightens  the  ignorant  and  instructs  tlie  sim- 
ple hearted  in  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above. 


THE    CHUISTIAN    A    SOJOURNER.  47 

FEBRUARY    11. 

THE  CHRISTIAN  A  SOJOURNER. 

"  Pass  the  time  of  your  sojourning  here  in  fear.''  —  Peter  i.  17. 

Js  the  verse  from  which  these  words  are  selected,  the  Al- 
mitjhty  is  represented  under  a  two-fold  character,  viz.,  that  of 
a  Father  and  a  Judge ;  and  the  relationship  in  which  Ave  thus 
stand  to  him  is  urged  as  an  argument  for  our  passing  the 
time  of  our  sojourning  here  in  fear.     Notice 

The  nature  of  the  Christian's  life.  "  The  time  of 
your  sojourning  here."  What  a  dreadful  infatuation  has 
seized  man,  that  he  sliould  look  upon  this  world  as  his  home 
and  his  portion !  It  is  as  if  the  child  on  his  way  to  his  fath- 
er's house  should  sit  down,  and,  foregoing  the  pleasure  of  the 
domestic  roof,  please  and  divert  himself  Avith  the  flowers  that 
grow  by  the  Avayside,  till  the  night  set  in,  and  he  lost  all 
track  of  the  road.  It  is  as  if  a  rich  heir,  going  to  take  pos- 
session of  his  estate,  wei'e  to  stop  and  spend  his  time  in  join- 
ing little  children  in  playing  with  toys  and  trifles.  Three 
things  suggest  themselves  to  the  mind  with  regard  to  the  be- 
lievers, sojourning  here. 

Vieio  him  in  his  past  condition.  Whence  has  the  pilgrim 
come  ?  From  the  city  of  Destruction.  Bunyan,  in  his  in- 
imitable allegory  speaks  beautifully  on  this  subject. 

Contemjilate  him  in  his  present  state.  What  is  he  ?  A 
sojourner.  Hoav  foAv  there  are  Avho  regard  this  Avorld  in  a 
])roper  light !  It  is  only  a  link  in  the  great  chain  of  our  ex- 
istence, —  a  narroAv  vista  Avhich  opens  to  the  Avide  expanse 
of  eternity ;  and  an  immoderate  attachment  to  it  deplumes 
the  pinions  on  which  alone  the  soul  can  soar,  and  binds  it  to 
that  which  is  sensual  and  grovelling.  The  time  of  our  so- 
journing here  is  one  of  trial,  danger,  and  difficulty.  Travel- 
l(M-s  must  put  up  Avith  many  inconveniences,  and  the  heavenly 
pilgrim  must  lay  his  account  Avith  many  a  storm. 

Regard  him  in  his  future  destination.  Whither  is  he  go- 
ing ?  He  is  bound  for  home.  How  Aveak  and  imperfect  are 
our  highest  conceptions  of  the  glories  of  the  heavenly  Avorld ! 
The  termination  of  the  Christian's  course  shall  be  associated 
with  all  that  is  magnificent  and  sublime.  Let  me  never  be 
satisfied  till  I  can  say,  looking  up  to  my  heavenly  Father,  "  I 
am  a  stranger  and  a  sojourner  Avith  thee." 


48  GOD    AN    INCORPOREAL    AND    IMMORTAL    BEING. 

FEBRUARY    12. 

GOD  AN  INCORPOREAL  AND  BOIORTAL  BEING. 

"  God  is  a  Spirit."  —  John  iv,  24. 

He  is  AN  INCORPOREAL  BEING.  All  corporeal  beings 
consist  of  parts,  and  so  are  capable  of  separation,  addition,  or 
diminution ;  but  this  would  be  inconsistent  with  the  perfection 
of  the  Almighty,  or  the  nature  of  spirits,  which  do  not  con- 
sist of  perishable  materials.  When  bodily  members  are  as- 
cribed to  God,  they  are  not  to  be  taken  literally,  but  accord- 
ing to  their  true  scope  and  intent,  which  is  in  a  clearer  form 
to  set  forth  and  illustrate  the  various  acts  and  perfections  of 
the  Divine  nature,  to  which  these  members  of  the  body  bear 
some  faint  resemblance.  Thus,  the  eyes  and  ears  of  God 
signify  his  omniscience  ;  his  hands  and  arms  denote  his  pow- 
er ;  and  his  face,  the  manifestation  of  his  favor.  We  must 
not  conceive  of  God  as  having  a  body,  or  any  corporeal 
members,  as  some  have  done,  Avho  only  ground  their  opinion 
on  the  literal  interpretation  of  many  figurative  expressions  in 
Scripture.  Our  conduct  would  evince  the  basest  ingratitude 
to  God,  if,  because  he  is  pleased  to  stoop  to  our  weakness,  we 
degrade  him  to  our  infirmities. 

He  is  an  INVISIBLE  BEING.  The  proper  object  of  sight 
is  color,  which  arises  from  the  various  positions  of  particles 
of  matter,  that  cause  the  several  reflections  of  light ;  but  a 
spirit  has  neither  parts  nor  matter,  and  consequently  must  be 
invisible.  The  Almighty  can  by  his  infinite  power  make 
visible  appearances,  as  he  did  of  old ;  but  these  Avere  not 
visions  of  his  essence,  they  were  mei'ely  outward  representa- 
tions, which  he  formed  to  notify  his  presence  for  special  pur- 
poses ;  but  as  to  his  own  exalted  nature,  he  is  the  invisible  God. 

He  IS  AN  IMMORTAL  BEING.  A  Spiritual  nature  neither 
has,  nor  can  have  in  it,  any  principles  of  corruption,  or  ten- 
dency to  decay.  The  very  idea  of  a  spirit  conveys  to  the 
mind  something  imperishable,  and  not  affected  by  material 
substances.  This  eminently  applies  to  God,  who  is  unchange- 
able in  his  nature,  whose  years  cannot  fail,  and  who  alone  is 
possessed  of  original  and  independent  immortality.  How 
affecting  is  it  to  think  of  the  millions  of  the  human  race  who 
are  destitute  of  that  revelation  which  discovers  to  man  the 
knowledge  of  God,  and  unfolds  to  his  view  the  gloi-ies  of  im- 
mortality !  Let  us  pray  that  the  light  of  truth  may  speedily 
dissipate  the  darkness  of  error.     If  God  is  a  Spirit,  then  he 


THE  christian's  dignity.  49 

requires  spiritual  worship,  and  we  should  seek  above  all 
things  to  be  spiritually  acquainted  with  him,  —  to  have  his 
fear  before  our  eyes,  his  grace  in  our  hearts,  his  image  on 
our  souls. 


FEBRUARY    13. 

THE   CHRISTIAN'S   DIGNITY. 

"  For  whosoever  shall  do  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is  in  lieavcn,  the  same  is  my 
brother,  and  sister,  and  mother." — JIatt.  xii.  00. 

These  are  gracious  woi'ds,  and  proceeded  from  the  lips  of 
Him  who  spake  as  never  man  spake.  In  them  we  have  the 
constitution  and  dignity  of  the  Christian  character. 

The  constitution  of  the  christian  character.  It 
is  well  for  us  to  consider  what  is  required  of  us  as  the  genuine 
followers  of  Christ.    Wliat  is  included  in  doing  the  will  of  God  ? 

It  is  to  believe.  This  is  expressly  stated  as  being  the  Fa- 
ther's will.  It  is  more  than  a  common  faith :  the  devils  be- 
lieve and  ti'emble ;  but  many  who  profess  Christianity  have 
never  trembled  before  God.  This  faith  is  connected  with 
experience  ;  it  is  of  the  operation  of  God,  and  works  by  love. 

It  is  to  obey.  Obedience  is  the  practical  evidence  of  faith. 
Faith  may  be  compared  to  a  tree  planted  in  the  garden  of  the 
soul,  rooted  and  grounded  in  Christ,  covered  with  the  green 
leaves  of  a  lively  profession,  watered  with  heavenly  showers, 
and  yielding  the  fruits  of  obedience,  and  the  graces  of  the  Spi- 
rit. Our  obedience  must  be  right  in  its  principle,  sincere  in 
its  motive,  evangelical  in  its  spirit,  cheerful  in  its  manner,  and 
universal  in  its  application. 

The  dignity  of  the  christian  character. 

It  is  attended  loith  present  benefits.  Here  is  an  endearing 
alliance  :  —  "  The  same  is  my  brother,  and  sister,  and  moth- 
er." It  includes  an  interest  in  his  affections,  intimate  com- 
munion, and  sympatliy. 

It  shall  be  succeeded  toith  future  honors.  He  who  owns  them 
here,  will  not  be  ashamed  of  them  hereafter.  They  shall  be 
kings  and  priests  unto  God,  pillars  in  his  temple,  and  jewels 
in  liis  crown. 

It  is  conferred  wrtliout  'partiality.  "  Whosoever."  There 
is  no  restriction,  but  that  which  we  put  on  ourselves.  We 
cannot  go  beyond  the  Gospel  commission,  for  it  extends  to 
sinners  whose  iniquities  liave  reached  unto  heaven,  are  as 
black  as  hell,  and  numerous  as  the  sands  on  the  sea  shore. 
5 


50  job's  desire. 

february  14. 
JOB'S   DESIRE. 

"  Oh  that  I  knew  where  I  might  find  hun  !  that  I  might  come  even  to  his  seat  I  I  would 
order  my  cause  before  him,  and  fill  my  mouth  with  arguments."  —  Job  xxiii.  8,  4. 

This  is  the  language  of  a  pious  soul,  under  tlie  hidings  of 
God's  countenance.  Job  had  great  trials,  but  exercised  great 
patience  under  them.     Observe  here  — 

His  distressing  state.  He  mourns  an  absent  God  ;  that 
is,  he  had  lost  for  a  season  the  sweet  sense  of  his  presence. 
How  often  is  this  the  case  with  us  !  But  whence  does  it  arise  ? 
Our  iniquities  separate  between  him  and  our  souls,  so  that  he 
hides  his  face  from  us  ;  they  are  as  clouds  gathering  around 
us,  and  obstructing  our  view  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness.  Our 
souls  cleave  unto  the  dust,  instead  of  soaring  to  the  skies. 

His  anxious  wish.  He  desires  to  find  God.  This  is  a 
good  evidence  of  a  renewed  heart.  How  distressing  is  it, 
w^hen  the  believer  goes  from  one  ordinance  to  another,  to  the 
Bible,  the  field  of  meditation,  the  throne  of  grace,  the  sanctu- 
ary, still  exclaiming,  "  O  that  I  knew  where  I  might  find 
him  ! "  Nothing  will  do  as  a  substitute  for  God.  Without 
him  the  world  is  a  blank,  life  a  burden,  the  Bible  a  sealed 
book,  and  ordinances  tasteless  and  insipid. 

His  fixed  determixatiox. 

He  would  draw  near.  "  That  I  might  come  even  to  his 
seat."  He  would  no  longer  keep  at  a  distance.  Thus  the 
Christian's  necessities  urge  him,  the  goodness  of  God  embol- 
dens him,  and  his  desires  make  him  eloquent. 

He  woidd  open  his  cause.  "  I  would  order  my  cause  before 
him."  As  if  he  had  said,  I  would  unbosom  myself  to  him, 
and  tell  him  the  inward  distress  and  anguish  of  my  spirit ;  I 
would  come,  not  to  complain,  but  to  beseech  ;  not  to  dictate, 
but  to  submit ;  not  to  charge  him  with  folly,  but  to  take  shame 
to  myself. 

He  woidd  plead.  "  And  fill  my  mouth  with  arguments." 
He  would  remind  him  of  his  great  name,  his  former  loving- 
kindness,  his  promises,  and  his  power.  Let  us  rejoice  that 
God  is  to  be  found  of  them  that  seek  him. 

"  0  tliat  I  knew  tlie  secret  place, 
Where  I  might  find  my  God  ! 
I  'd  spread  my  wants  before  his  face, 
And  pour  rny  woes  abroad." 


TRAYEU.  51 

FEBRUART    15. 

PRAYER. 

"  And  all  things  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  prayer  believing,  ye  shall  receive." 
Matt.  xxi.  '22. 

■Devotion  forms  a  principal  part  of  experimental  religion. 
The  believer  can  no  more  live  without  prayei',  than  he  can 
exist  without  breath.  It  is  the  soul's  converse  with  her  God  ; 
it  is  a  ladder  fixed  on  earth,  whose  top  reaches  to  heaven,  on 
which  petitions  and  blessings  are  continually  ascending  and 
descending ;  it  is  sweet  incense  offered  on  the  altar  of  the 
heart,  burnt  with  the  fire  of  the  Spirit,  and  presented  before 
the  throne  al)0ve  in  the  censer  of  the  intercession  of  our  Great 
High  Priest  ;  it  is  the  native  air,  the  favorite  atmosphere,  the 
very  element  and  home  of  the  believer. 

"  What  au  asylum  has  the  soul  in  prayer !  " 

Let  us  observe  two  things  concerning  this  duty. 

The  matter  op  prayer.  For  what  are  we  to  pray  ? 
We  are  allowed  to  seek  temporal  favors,  but  our  principal 
solicitude  should  be  for  those  that  are  spiritual :  such  as 

A  sigJd  of  our  oicn  depravity.  Without  this,  prayer  cannot 
be  rightly  performed  or  enjoyed.  Unless  we  see  the  defor- 
mity of  sin,  we  shall  not  breathe  after  holiness. 

A  sense  of  pardoning  mercy.  After  the  wound  is  opened, 
we  must  seek  to  have  it  healed.  When  we  have  seen  what 
Ave  are,  we  must  pray  that  God  would  make  us  what  he  would 
have  us  to  be. 

Increase  in  spiritual  attainments.  Ambition  in  spiritual 
things  is  allowable,  and  covetousness  is  enjoined :  —  "  Covet 
earnestly  the  best  gifts."  We  must  pray  that  we  may,  in 
every  gift  and  grace,  abound  more  and  more. 

The  manner  of  prayer.  It  is  to  be  "believing."  Prayer 
suffei's  shipwreck  for  want  of  fi^ith,  because  it  dashes  on  the 
rock  of  unbelief  We  must  believe  that  we  need  the  bless- 
ings of  salvation  for  our  happiness,  that  we  cannot  obtain  them 
by  our  merits,  that  God  is  willing  to  confer  them,  and  that 
the  mediation  of  Christ  is  the  only  channel  through  which 
they  can  be  received.  J\Iay  ours  be  the  prayer  of  faith  !  What 
encouragement  have  we  to  pray !  As  often  as  we  draw  near 
to  the  throne  of  grace,  we  iind  ourselves  beside  an  overflow- 
ing fountain  of  good  —  touching  the  very  springs  of  eternal 
mercy  —  in  the  midst  of  the  very  treasures  of  heaven. 


52  THE    ADVANTAGES    OF    BIEDITATION. 

FEBRUARY    1 G. 

THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  MEDITATION. 

"  Meditate  upon  these  things."  —  1  Tim.  iv.  15. 

Man  is  a  complication  of  wonders  ;  this  fact  is  proved  in 
the  very  curious  formation  of  the  corporeal,  and  the  mysteri- 
ous constitution  of  the  mental  part  of  his  system ;  and  in  the 
intimate  connection  that  subsists  between  two  such  opposites 
as  mind  and  matter.  If  there  is  much  to  admire  in  the  tex- 
ture and  workmanship  of  the  casket,  how  much  more  in  the 
exquisite  nature  and  imperishable  properties  of  the  jewel  it 
contains  !  Man  is  a  thoughtful  and  reflecting  being  ;  and 
while  his  sinful  nature  draws  his  contemplations  down  to  earth, 
God  calls  on  him  to  let  his  thoughts  and  reflections  bear  on 
the  objects  of  an  unseen  world.  The  world  sketches  out  to 
our  view  a  pleasing  landscape  of  all  that  is  beautiful  to  the 
eye,  charming  to  the  senses,  and  gratifying  to  the  feelings, 
and  says,  Here  fix  your  thoughts  ;  while  religion  takes  us 
near  to  it,  and  shows  us  that  it  is  not  a  reality,  but  an  iffnis 
fatuiis  of  the  mind,  which  eludes  our  grasp  ;  and  leading  us  to 
the  enjoyment  of  solid  pleasures,  presents  before  us  a  fair  and 
bright  prospect  of  a  celestial  paradise,  a  crystallized  river, 
and  fields  of  living  green  ;  and  says,  "  Meditate  on  these 
things."     Meditation  may  be  considered  in 

The  variety  of  its  subjects.  They  are  so  rich,  we 
can  never  exhaust  them  ;  and  so  delightful  that  we  can  never 
be  weary  of  them.  Let  us  meditate  on  the  character  and 
government  of  God,  on  the  glories  and  excellences  of  Jesus, 
and  on  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  the  vastness  of  our 
privileges,  the  nature  of  our  duties,  and  the  brightness  of  our 
prospects. 

The  extent  of  its  advantages.  Consider  it  more 
particularly  with  regard  to  religious  ordinances. 

It  jrrepares  us  for  the  ohservance  of  them.  Meditation  is 
like  the  gentle  shower  that  softens  the  ground,  and  prepares 
it  for  the  seed.  It  is  the  soul's  retiring  to  dress  itself  to 
meet  the  king  in  his  palace. 

It  helps  us  in  the  performance  of  them.  It  is  the  spiritual 
digestion  of  the  mind.  That  which  falls  on  the  ear  should 
occupy  the  thoughts  in  the  sanctuary. 

It  refreshes  us  on  the  review  of  them.      Thus  in  the  sweet 


THE    NATUliE    OF    IIEDITATIOX.  53 

exercise  of  Christian  meditation,  you   sball  be  satisfied  with 
the  goodness  of  God's  house  after  you  have  left  it. 

It  feasts  us  in  the  absence  of  them.  There  are  seasons 
Avhen  we  cannot  visit  the  temple  ;  it  is  well  if  we  have  a 
store-house  within.  My  soul,  if  there  be  any  virtue,  or  if 
there  be  any  praise,  think  on  these  things. 


FEBRUARY    17. 

THE  NATURE   OF   MEDITATION. 

"  Meditate  upon  these  things."  —  1  Tim.  iv.  15. 

Such  was  Paul's  charge  to  Timothy,  but  the  words  will 
admit  of  general  application.  The  Christian  is  to  be  a  man 
of  meditation.     Let  us  look  at  this  pleasing  duty  in 

The  peculiarity  of  its  nature.  It  does  not  consist  in 
the  exercise  of  the  memory  :  many  possess  a  good  natural 
memory,  who  know  nothing  about  spiritual  meditation.  A 
good  memory  is  a  great  assistance  in  this  Christian  duty, 
though  not  always  connected  with  it.  There  is  a  distinction 
between  study  and  meditation.  By  study  we  acquire  learn- 
ing, by  meditation  we  turn  it  to  account ;  by  study  the  mind 
is  filled  with  knowledge,  by  meditation  the  soul  feasts  on  it : 
study  consists  chiefly  in  the  application  of  the  mind,  but  medi- 
tation in  the  excursions  of  the  mind.  One  has  described 
meditation  as  the  soul  being  rolled  into  itself.  You  may  be 
alone,  and  yet  not  engaged  in  this  exercise.  The  Christian 
loves  solitude,  and  feels  that  he  is  never  less  alone  than  when 
alone.  Meditation  makes  the  world  appear  to  him  as  a  shad- 
owy arch,  through  which  he  gazes  on  the  bright  and  expan- 
sive sky  beyond.  It  is  an  exercise,  which,  while  it  connects 
the  soul  with  all  that  is  solemn  and  sublime,  produces  the 
most  elevating  and  reviving  effects  on  the  mind.  While, 
therefore,  we  delight  in  seasons  of  social  intercourse,  let  us 
never  forget  the  charms  of  solitude,  but  prize  its  golden  hours. 
One  has  beautifully  remarked  —  The  good  man  soars  to  hea- 
ven in  mind,  though  chained  to  earth  in  body:  it  is  thus  the 
superb  eagle,  in  the  region  of  thunder,  darts  along  on  majestic 
pinion,  and  seems  to  say  to  mortals,  "  I  was  born  on  the  earth, 
but  I  live  in  the  sky." 
5* 


54  THE  christian's  DESIKE. 

FEBKUART    18. 

THE  CHRISTIAN'S  DESIRE. 

"  The  desire  of  the  righteous  shall  be  granted."'  —  Prov.  x.  24. 

What  a  contrast  is  there  between  the  righteous  and  the 
wicked  !  They  differ  in  their  principles,  feelings,  pursuits, 
prospects,  and  final  destinies.  Let  us  observe  here  respect- 
ing the  Christian, 

The  character  he  bears.  "  Righteous."  None  are 
so  by  nature.  This  is  founded  in  reason,  stated  in  Scripture, 
and  proved  by  experience.  Many  are  so  in  their  own  imagi- 
nation ;  but  some  in  reality,  by  God's  grace.  Such  individ- 
uals bear  two  marks  ;  the  one  is  wrought  within  them.  The 
other  is  shown  without.  Righteousness  is  imputed  to  the 
soul,  and  exhibited  in  the  life. 

The  desire  he  cherishes.  It  is  excited  by  Divine 
grace,  and  therefore  very  different  to  that  which  arises  from 
corrupt  nature.     He  desires 

Increase  in  knoivledge.  This  feeling  will  strengthen  in 
proportion  to  the  advances  he  makes.  What  is  the  highest 
point  of  knowledge  to  which  we  can  attain  here,  compared 
with  that  which  shall  be  possessed  in  glory  ?  Here  there 
are  but  a  few  scattered  rays  of  light,  which  only  discover  to 
us  more  clearly  the  dark  clouds  of  ignorance  and  imperfec- 
tion that  still  envelope  the  mind  ;  but  there  shall  be  the  full 
blaze  of  immortality,  dispelling  every  shadow,  and  chasing 
away  the  last  mist  that  would  gather  around  the  soul. 

Growth  in  grace.  Many  figures  are  employed  in  Scripture 
to  set  forth  the  pleasing  truth  of  progression  in  the  Divine 
life.     "  Forward"  is  the  Christian's  watchword. 

Enjoyment  in  duty.  Too  many  are  contented  with  the 
formal  observance,  Avithout  the  spiritual  enjoyment,  of  ordi- 
nances. 

Support  in  trial.  It  is  a  good  evidence  when  we  feel  de- 
sire to  be  purified  in,  rather  than  to  be  delivered  from,  the 
fiery  furnace  of  affliction. 

Rest  in  glory.  This  is  the  consummation  of  all.  When 
this  is  granted,  the  Christian  has  nothing  more  to  desire ;  his 
prayers  are  ended. 

The  satisfaction  he  obtains.  His  desire  shall  be 
granted,  but  how  ?     Freely,  gradually,  and  entirely. 


WAITING    ON    GOD    IN    OKDINANCES.  55 

FEBRUARY    19. 

WAITING  ON  GOD  IN  ORDINANCES. 

"  TVaiting  for  the  moviug  of  tiie  water.''  —  John  v.  3. 

The  narrative  related  in  the  context  is  liiglilj  interesting. 
"VVe  have  all  heard  of  the  pool  of  Bethesda,  and  of  the  angel 
who  troubled  its  waters.  It  is  a  just  representation  of  our 
waiting  on  God  in  Divine  ordinances.     Here  is 

A  FIGURE  TO  EXPLAIN.  The  blessings  of  the  Gospel  are 
set  forth  by  a  variety  of  comparisons  ;  bread  to  satisfy  our 
hunger,  milk  to  nourish,  meat  to  strengthen,  wine  to  cheer, 
water  to  quench  our  thirst.     They  are  compared  to  water  — 

Because  of  its  cleansing  quality.  Sin  has  overspread  our 
soul  with  its  contaminating  influence,  and  nothing  can  purify 
us  but  the  blood  of  Christ,  the  waters  of  salvation. 

Because  of  its  healing  properties.  Some  waters  have  me- 
dicinal qualities  ;  and  individuals  afflicted  in  various  ways, 
travel  to  a  great  distance,  in  order  to  derive  the  benefit  they 
are  calculated  to  afford.  There  is  a  river  whose  streams  can 
heal  us  of  our  spiritual  maladies. 

Because  of  its  reviving  influence.  How  refreshing  is  wa- 
ter to  the  faint  and  languid  pilgrim ;  and  how  exhilarating 
are  the  waters  of  salvation  to  the  weary,  drooping  sinner ! 
Its  blessings  are  in  him  as  a  well  of  Avater  springing  up  into 
everlasting  life. 

A    TRUTH    TO    ILLUSTRATE.      It  is  twofold. 

The  inefficiency  of  human  instrumentality.  I  mean,  apart 
from  Divine  influence.  The  angel  must  trouble  the  waters, 
or  there  was  no  virtue  in  them  :  will  not  this  apply  to  ordi- 
nances ?  Without  the  Spirit's  aid  they  can  profit  us  nothing 
—  there  will  be  a  dead  stillness. 

llie  efficacy  of  Divine  agency.  "When  the  angel  of  the 
covenant  comes  down  and  moves  and  agitates  the  waters,  how 
glorious  are  the  effects  produced  !  Sinners  stepping  in  are 
made  whole,  and  the  influence  extends,  not  as  here,  merely  to 
the  individual  who  was  fortunate  enough  to  descend  first,  but 
to  all  who  are  anxiouslj  waiting  for  the  moving  of  the  water. 

A  DUTY  TO  ENFORCE.  "Wait."  How  ?  With  earnest 
prayer,  confident  expectation,  humble  dependence,  and  contin- 
ued perseverance. 


56  THE    UNSPEAKABLE    GIFT. 

FEBRUARY  20. 

THE  UNSPEAKABLE  GIFT. 

"  Thanks  be  unto  God  for  his  unspeakable  gift."  —  2  Cor.  ix.  15. 

God  is  essentially  and  immutably  good.  All  the  virtues 
and  excellences  that  adorn  us  as  creatures,  as  well  as  all  the 
gifts  and  graces  that  ennoble  us  as  Christians,  are  the  streams 
issuing  from  him  as  the  divine  Fountain,  or  the  beams  des- 
cending from  him  as  the  Father  of  lights.  But  Christ  is  his 
unspeakable  gift,  for  which  our  unfeigned  gratitude  is  demand- 
ed.    Observe 

The  gift  bestowed.  It  is  styled  unsi^eakable.  Jesus  is  so, 

In  the  glory  lie  possesses.  There  is  in  him,  as  God  and 
man,  a  combination  of  excellences,  a  glory  of  wisdom,  pow- 
er, love,  majesty,  and  grace  ;  a  glory  that  outshines  the  bright- 
ness of  the  sun. 

In  the  grace  he  mmiifests.  Who  can  fathom  the  depths  of 
his  love,  or  describe  the  riches  of  his  grace  ?  "We  behold  it 
in  its  heights,  and  lengths,  and  breadths,  and  depths  ;  and  in 
the  vast  contemplation  are  lost  in  wonder  and  astonishment. 

In  the  sufferings  he  endured.  AVere  not  the  pangs  of  his 
soul  unutterable,  when  the  sword  of  Divine  justice  pierced 
him,  and  the  arrows  of  the  Almighty  fastened  on  him  ? 

In  the  blessings  he  bestotvs.  The  satisfaction  cannot  be  fully 
expressed ;  the  peace  passeth  understanding ;  the  hope  is 
within  the  veil,  the  joy  is  unspeakable,  and  the  glory  that 
awaits  us  is  yet  to  be  revealed. 

The  gratitude  paid.  God  is  the  Giver.  It  is  accord- 
ing to  the  purposes  of  his  grace,  the  promises  of  his  word, 
and  the  fulness  of  time.     How  is  this  gift  to  be  acknowledged  ? 

£g  an  ardent  attachment  to  him.  There  is  every  thing  in 
Christ  to  attract  your  love,  and  secure  your  regard.  "  How 
welcome,"  says  a  living  writer,  "  is  Jesus  to  a  soul  taught  of 
God  ;  as  rural  flowers  to  the  sense,  when  the  softening  sun 
renders  the  air  genial,  when  the  fields  breathe  balmy  freshness 
in  the  morning  beam ;  when  dew-drops  tremble  on  every 
leaf ;  and  the  slow  zephyr  toils  along  the  landscape,  as  if 
laden  with  sweets !" 

By  a  hold  confession  of  him.  If  this  gift  is  received  in  the 
heart,  it  will  be  acknowledged  openly  and  fearlessly. 

By  active  zeal  for  him.     The  best  way  to  show  our  grati- 


PATIENCE.  37 

tude  for  the  Father's  gift,  is  to  seek  to  spread  abroad  the 
Saviour's  fame.  If  God  has  given  us  liis  Son,  let  us  give 
him  our  hearts. 


FEBRUARY    21. 

PATIENCE. 

"  For  ye  have  need  of  patience,  that,  after  ye  have  done  the  will  of  God,  ye  might 
receive  the  promise."'  —  Heb.  x.  36. 

We  have  need  of  grace  to  entitle  us  to  the  promise,  faith 
to  rely  on  its  truth,  prayer  to  plead  its  personal  application, 
hope  to  animate  us  in  the  expectation  of  its  fulfilment,  and 
patience  and  perseverance  that  we  may  receive  it.  Patience 
is  requisite,  both  on  a  present  and  future  account.  We  need 
it 

For  the  performance  of  present  duty.  "  Doing 
the  will  of  God  "  includes 

Active  obedience.  As  God  does  not  send  any  into  the  world, 
so  he  does  not  plant  any  in  the  church  to  be  idle.  His  will  is 
our  standard,  and  his  grace  is  our  support  in  duty. 

Passive  submission.  The  life  of  the  believer  here  is  con- 
tinual exercise ;  there  are  many  tests  by  which  God  tries  his 
people.  How  hard  is  it  to  bear  with  patience  accumulated 
trials  ;  and  while  clouds  gather  thick  around  us,  and  billows 
roll  in  rapid  succession  over  us,  to  preserve  a  calmness  and 
serenity  of  mind,  which  enables  us  to  smile  at  the  storm,  to 
kiss  the  hand  that  makes  us  smart,  and  say  — 

"  Blest  be  that  hand,  whether  it  shed 
Mercies  or  judgiBcnts  o'er  ray  head  : 
Extend  the  sceptre  or  the  rod, 
Blest  hand  !  'tis  still  the  hand  of  God." 

For  the  enjoyment  of  future  happiness.  What  is 
"  the  promise  ?"  It  refers  to  the  last  promise,  the  grand  con- 
summation of  the  whole.  Thus  believers  in  glory  are  said 
to  be  inheriting  the  promises.  There  are  many  motives  that 
should  excite  us  to  the  exercise  of  patience.  Heaven  is 
worth  waiting  for,  the  period  is  not  long,  our  present  comforts 
and  provisions  are  great,  impatience  ill  becomes  us,  and  can 
do  us  no  good ;  those  who  are  now  inheriting,  were  once 
pleading  the  promises. 


58  REDEMPTION. 

FEBRUARY    22. 

REDEMPTION. 

"  Eternal  redemption."  —  Heb.  ix.  12. 

In  these  two  words  Ave  have  the  grand  theme  of  revelation, 
the  mightiest  work  of  God,  and  the  best  news  to  man.  Tlie 
priests  under  the  law  prefigured  the  Saviour  ;  but  he  excels 
them  in  the  dignity  of  his  person,  the  purity  of  his  nature, 
the  perpetuity  of  his  ofhce,  and  the  value  of  his  sacrifice. 
Let  us  contemplate  eternal  redemption.  Every  new  cove- 
nant blessing  bears  the  mark  of  love. 

The  blessing  it  includes.  The  very  term  explains  its 
meaning ;  it  is  deliverance  from  spiritual  bondage,  and  an  in- 
troduction into  glorious  liberty.  Its  full  extent  cannot  be 
known  till  we  unite  with  the  redeemed  in  heaven,  w'here  its 
glories  shall  fill  our  minds  with  wonder,  our  hearts  with  love, 
and  our  tongues  Avith  praise. 

The  source  ERoai  whence  it  flows.  The  streams  of 
salvation  issue  from  the  fountain  of  Divine  grace.  The  love 
of  Christ  prompted  him  to  the  work  of  human  redemption. 
Every  new  covenant  blessing  bears  the  mark  of  love. 

The  price  by  which  it  is  procured.  It  was  such  a 
price  that  none  but  an  Infinite  Being  could  advance.  Esti- 
mate its  worth  by  this,  and  remember  that  the  degradation  to 
which  the  Saviour  stooped,  the  scenes  of  suffering  through 
which  he  passed,  and  the  costly  offering  he  made,  were  to 
procure  eternal  redemption. 

The  glory  it  displays.  It  throws  a  bright  lustre  on 
all  the  Divine  perfections,  and  makes  the  glory  of  each  to 
centre  in  the  cross,  where  mercy  and  truth  meet  together, 
and  righteousness  and  peace  embrace  each  other. 

The  ereeness  by  which  it  is  distinguished.  O  de- 
Hghtful  fact,  Avhile  there  is  here  the  brightest  display  of  glory, 
there  is  the  freest  discovery  of  grace.  "  Liberty  to  the  cap- 
tive "  is  the  Gospel  proclamation. 

The  obligation  it  involves.  If  Christ  has  redeemed 
us,  we  must  glorify  him  in  our  bodies  and  spirits,  which  are 
his.  At  every  step  let  our  language  be,  "  Lord,  wdiat  wilt 
thou  have  me  to  do  ?  "  Let  us  display  more  of  the  life  and 
activity  of  godliness,  —  and  remember  that  religion  is  not 
the  dungeon  air,  but  the  mountain  breeze ;  not  the  stagnant 
pool,  but  the  running  stream. 


god's  goodness  to  ins  people.  59 

FEBRUARY    23. 

GOD'S  GOODNESS  TO  HIS  PEOPLE. 

"  Tnilj'  God  is  good  to  Israel :  even  to  such  as  arc  of  a  clean  heart."  —  Psalm  Ixxiii.  1. 

AsAPii,  to  whom  this  Psalm  is  ascribed,  was  greatly  per- 
plexed when  he  saw  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked,  and  the 
pains  and  crosses  that  attended  the  righteous ;  but  he  went 
into  the  sanctuary,  and  there  his  mind  was  relieved.  lie 
here  acknowledges  God's  goodness  to  his  people.  The  pas- 
sage contains  a  very  encouraging  declaration.     Consider 

"Whom  it  regards.  The  children  of  God :  those  who  are 
Israelites  indeed.  There  are  several  marks  they  bear.  They 
have  a  heart  enlightened  in  the  knowledge  of  God,  attracted 
with  the  love  of  God,  renewed  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  con- 
secrated to  the  glory  of  God. 

What  it  includes.  God  is  good  to  all  in  the  gifts  of 
providence,  but  especially  to  his  people  in  the  blessings  of 
grace.     Three  things  show  this. 

Their  past  experience.  What  a  change  has  he  wrought  in 
them ;  it  was  lie  that  brought  them  from  sin's  pernicious  road, 
and  led  their  feet  into  the  way  of  peace.  Believers  should 
remember  the  hole  of  the  pit  whence  they  were  digged. 
"  Memory,"  says  Boston,  "  is  the  store-house  of  former  expe- 
riences, and  they  are  the  Christian's  way-marks,  by  atten- 
tively observing  which,  he  may  know  where  he  is,  even  in  a 
dark  hour." 

Their  present  evjoyments.  Are  they  not  possessed  of  a 
peace  which  passeth  all  imderstanding,  and  a  joy  that  is  un- 
utterable, a  faith  that  draws  aside  the  curtain  of  futurity,  and 
exhibits  the  magnificent  objects  of  an  unseen  world,  and  a 
hope  that  maketh  not  ashamed  ?  Would  they  exchange  their 
pi'esent  for  their  past  condition  ? 

Their  future  prospects.  Is  not  Jehovah  good  in  giving 
such  exceeding  great  and  precious  promises  both  for  time 
and  eternity?  jNIiilions  above,  and  multitudes  below,  unite 
in  confirming  the  truth  that  God  is  good  to  Israel.  Can  you 
not  add  your  testimony  ? 

"  The  Lord  is  good  ;  tlie  Lord  is  kind  ; 
Great  is  liis  grace,  his  mercy  sure  ; 
And  all  the  race  of  man  shall 'find 
His  truth  from  age  to  age  endure." 


60  CHRISTIAN    CONSISTENCY. 

FEBRUARY    24. 

CHRISTIAN  CONSISTENCY. 

"  Walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  j-e  are  called."  —  Eph.  iv  1. 

Paul  rejoiced  that,  though  he  was  in  bonds,  the  word  of 
the  Lord  was  not  bound.  This  epistle  was  written  while  he 
was  "  the  prisoner  of  the  Loi-d."     We  have  here 

The  STATEMENT  OF  CHRISTIAN  PRIVILEGE.  Believers 
are  effectually  called  by  the  Spirit. 

They  are  called  to  knoioledge.  In  conversion  the  darkness 
is  removed  from  the  understanding,  and  the  true  light  shines 
into  the  soul ;  they  have  an  unction  from  the  Holy  One,  and 
know  all  things. 

They  are  called  to  holiness.  To  serve  a  holy  God,  to  re- 
ceive holy  impressions,  to  cultivate  holy  tempers  and  feelings, 
and  to  engage  in  holy  pursuits. 

They  are  called  to  peace.  This  is  the  characteristic  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ,  and  pervades  every  part  of  it ;  and  when 
it  shall  be  universally  spread,  war  shall  be  heard  of  no  more. 

They  are  called  to  glory.  How  high  and  dignified  is  their 
destination  !  All  the  grandeur  and  magnificence  of  the  world, 
when  put  in  competition  with  the  bright  anticipations  of  the 
sons  of  God,  are  but  as  the  feeble  light  of  a  taper  to  the  splen- 
dor of  the  sun. 

The  REQUIREMENT  OF  CHRISTIAN  DUTY.  They  are  to 
walk-  worthy  of  their  vocation.  There  is  to  be  a  corres- 
pondence between  their  calling  and  their  conversation.  If 
they  are  called  to  knowledge,  they  should  walk  wisely;  if  to 
holiness,  they  should  walk  unblamably  ;  if  to  peace,  they  should 
walk  affectionately ;  and  if  to  glory,  they  should  walk  cheerfully. 
Let  us  study  to  make  our  calling  and  election  sure  :  if  we  can 
discern  the  lineaments  of  the  Divine  image  on  our  souls,  these 
are  the  counterpart  of  the  golden  characters  of  his  love,  in 
which  our  names  are  written  in  the  book  of  life. 

"  My  name  from  the  palms  of  his  hands 

"Eternitj'  will  not  erase  : 
Impressed  on  his  heart  it  remains, 

In  marks  of  indelible  grace  : 
Yes,  I  to  the  end  shall  endure, 

As  snre  as  the  earnest  is  given  ; 
-More  happy,  but  not  more  secure, 

The  glorified  spirits  in  heaven." 


PREACHING  JESUS.  61 

FEBRUARY  25. 

PREACHING  JESUS. 

"  Preaching  the  Lord  Jesus."'  —  Acts  xi.  20. 

Ho"W  true  is  it,  that  the  blood  of  the  martyrs  is  the  seed 
of  the  church !  The  history  of  the  cause  of  our  Redeemer 
presents  many  instances  in  proof  of  this.  We  have  one  in  the 
context.  A  persecution  arose  on  account  of  Stephen,  the 
first  who  suffered  martyrdom  after  Clirist's  death.  Those 
who  were  scattered  abroad  at  that  time  went  forth  with  their 
lives  in  their  hand,  "  preaching  the  Lord  Jesus."     Observe 

The  subject  they  preached.  But  what  is  included  in 
it  ?     It  is  to  proclaim  Christ, 

In  the  glory  of  his  Person.  Who  does  not  feel  his  own 
utter  unworthiness,  in  the  contemplation  of  such  a  subject  as 
this?  The  sacred  writers  have  employed  various  images  in 
order  to  set  forth  the  glories  of  the  only  Begotten  of  the 
Father.  They  have  brought  the  loveliest  objects  in  nature  to 
their  aid,  but 

"  All  are  too  mean  to  «peak  his  -wortli, 
'I'oo  mean  to  set  the  Saviour  forth." 

The  jicrfeclion  of  his  worlc.  He  came  to  take  away  sin, 
and  bring  salvation.  He  came  that  the  storm  of  Divine 
wrath,  wliich  was  long  gathering,  and  threatened  to  burst  on 
our  guilty  heads,  might  be  hushed,  and  pass  away  from  us ; 
that  our  sky  might  be  bright  and  serene ;  that,  instead  of  the 
thundei'bolts  of  his  anger,  we  might  have  the  still  small  voice 
of  his  love,  and  instead  of  the  flashing  of  his  vengeance,  we 
iniglit  have  the  light  of  his  countenance. 

The  loveliness  of  his  example.  Thus,  as  his  death  is  our 
substitution,  his  life  is  our  pattern.  In  him  we  have  the  only 
perfect  standard  of  moral  excellence  for  our  imitation.  "  The 
conduct  of  Christ,"  says  Harris,  "  is  a  copy,  a  living  map  of 
the  immense  expanse  of  the  Divine  perfections,  reduced  from 
its  infinite  dimensions,  and  subdued  to  a  scale  studiously 
adapted  to  the  feeble  vision  of  man." 

27ie  triumphs  of  Ms  cross.  The  very  circumstance  which 
his  enemies  thought  woidd  extinguish  his  fame,  and  extermin- 
ate his  cause,  established  them  more  securely.  Already  its 
conquests  arc  great  and  glorious,  multitudes  have  been  at- 
tracted to  the  sacred  spot,  and  found  countless  blessings ;  ere 
long  all  nations  shall  flow  to  it,  recline  under  its  shadow,  and 
eat  of  its  fruits.  Am  I  one  of  its  trophies  ? 
6 


62  SUCCESS  OF  THE  GOSI'EL. 

FEBRLARY  2G. 

SUCCESS  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 

"  And  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  with  them  ;  and  a  great  numher  believed,  and  turned 
unto  the  Lord."  — Acts  xi.  21. 

That  is,  with  the  men  of  Cyprus  and  Cyrene,  who 
preached  at  Antioch  to  the  Grecians,  the  Lord  Jesus.  Let 
us  observe 

The  support  they  received.  "  The  hand  of  the  Lord 
was  with  them."  Bodily  members,  as  well  as  human  pas- 
sions, are  ascribed  to  the  Deity,  in  compassion  to  our  ignor- 
ance :  thus,  as  his  countenance  denotes  his  favor ;  his  eyes, 
his  wisdom  and  omniscience  ;  so  his  hand  and  arm  signify  his 
power.     In  what  respects  was  God  with  them  ? 

To  give  them  suitable  qualifications  for  their  work.  The 
most  splendid  natural  gifts  and  acquirements,  a  mind  richly 
furnished  with  all  the  stores  of  human  leai'ning,  will  not  qual- 
ify a  minister  for  his  arduous  work,  without  the  Spirit's 
teaching  ;  but  let  the  heart  be  divinely  impressed  and  endued 
from  on  high,  and  the  heralds  of  the  cross  go  forth  with  all 
the  earnestness  of  feeling,  with  the  forcible  appeal,  "  We 
speak  that  we  do  know,  and  testify  that  we  have  seen,"  and 
we  may  confidently  expect  the  Divine  blessing. 

To  hestoxo  his  gracious  presence  on  their  work.  They 
needed  encouragement  in  the  midst  of  so  much  persecution  ; 
and  the  consciousness  that  though  the  hand  of  their  enemies 
was  against  them,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  with  them,  ani- 
mated and  emboldened  them  in  their  work. 

To  impart  his  Divine  blessing  on  their  work.  They  had 
had  a  large  measure  of  success.  As  they  planted  and  wa- 
tered, God  gave  the  increase. 

The  success  they  obtained.  "  A  great  number  be- 
lieved, and  turned  unto  the  Lord." 

Its  nature.  "  They  believed."  This  was  a  saving  faith, 
implanted  in  the  heart  by  the  oi:)eration  of  the  Spirit.  It  was 
more  than  their  embracing  the  principles  of  Christianity ;  it 
was  the  cordial  reception  of  Christ. 

Its  evidence.  "  They  turned  unto  the  Lord."  This  is  a 
true  sign  of  genuine  faith  ;  its  tendency  is  practical. 

Its  extent.  "  A  great  number."  Thus  there  was  a  consid- 
erable addition  to  the  church.     The  whole  gives  us  a  fine  dis- 


ADOFTIOX.  63 

play  of  the  wisdom  of  God  in  overruling  events,  which  ap- 
peared to  militate  against  his  cause,  for  the  extension  and 
glory  of  it. 


FEBRUARY   27. 

ADOPTION. 

"  But  as  many  as  received  hiin,  to  them  gave  he  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God, 
even  to  them  that  believe  on  his  name."  — John  i.  12. 

The  phraseology  here  employed,  supposes  a  very  awful 
fact,  that  there  are  some  who  reject  the  Saviour.  Look  at 
the  verse  preceding  the  text,  "  He  came  unto  his  own,  and 
his  own  received  him  not."  Here  is  a  visit  of  the  greatest 
kindness,  and  an  act  of  the  basest  ingratitude.  But  let  us 
notice 

What  the  Christian  does  to  the  Saviour.  He 
gives  him  a  cordial  reception.  Receiving  and  believing  in 
Christ  are  synonymous  terms.    It  implies 

An  acqnaintance  with  him.  AYe  do  not  repose  confidence 
in  an  individual,  without  a  knowledge  of  him  ;  and  if  we 
would  exercise  faith  in  Christ,  we  must  possess  a  spiritual 
acquaintance  with  him.  There  may  be  f;xith  in  an  unseen, 
but  not  in  an  unknown  Saviour. 

Confidence  in  him.  Believing  on  his  name  implies  the 
repose  of  the  soul  on  his  atonement,  and  the  grounding  of  all 
our  hopes  on  his  mediation.  It  is  not  a  nominal  but  a  real  faith, 
not  a  dead  but  a  living  one,  not  a  common  but  a  saving  one. 

The  reception  of  him.  Christ  is  to  be  received  in  all  the 
characters  by  which  he  is  made  known,  in  all  the  offices  he 
performs,  in  all  the  blessings  he  confers,  and  in  all  the  duties 
he  requires. 

"What  the  Saviour  does  for  the  Christian.  "  To 
them  gave  he  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God." 

The  exalted  privilege  conferred.  They  have  an  honorable 
title ;  not  only  a  new  name,  but  a  new  nature.  They  real- 
ize much  here,  but  anticipate  more  in  the  world  to  come. 
They  are  under  the  care  of  Divine  Providence,  in  the  recep- 
tion of  enriching  grace,  and  in  prospect  of  eternal  glory. 

The  Divine  agency  acknoicledged.  '"  To  them  gave  he  pow- 
er." The  original  word  signifies  right  or  authority.  This  he 
does  by  the  efficacy  of  his  ci-oss ;  thus  it  is  procured,  by  the 
grace  of  his  Spirit,  thus  it  is  bestowed. 


64  LOVE  TO  THE  BKETHUEN. 

FEBRUARY  28. 

LOVE  TO  THE  BRETHREN. 

"  We  know  that  we  have  passed  from  death  unto  life,  because  we  love  tlie  brethren." 
1  Johniii.  14. 

Love  is  the  leading  cliaracteristic  oi  the  Gospel,  and  tlie 
fulfilling  of  the  law.  If  love  to  God  is  the  essence  of  relig- 
ion, love  to  the  brethren  is  the  evidence  of  it.  We  shall  make 
and  answer  two  inquiries,  in  the  explanation  of  these  words. 

What  is  the  change  here  referred  to  ?  It  is  con- 
version. Various  figures  are  employed  in  order  to  set  it  forth. 
Here  it  is  styled  a  passing  from  death  unto  life.     Notice 

The  affecting  condition  from  which  they  are  delivered  — 
"  death."  It  is  a  spiritual  death.  There  are  no  symptoms  of 
life,  no  principles  of  life,  and  no  desires  after  life.  The  sin- 
ner is  in  the  grave  of  the  natural  state,  and  hastening  to  the 
second  death. 

The  delightful  slate  into  ivJdch  they  are  introduced  —  "  life." 
It  consists  in  the  illumination  of  the  mind,  the  renewing  of  the 
heart,  and  the  reformation  of  the  life,  in  devotedness  to  God, 
and  communion  with  him.  This  communion  is  spiritual  in  its 
nature,  delightful  in  its  enjoyment,  and  divine  in  its  effects. 
This  life  is  associated  with  dignity,  connected  with  tlie  high- 
est satisfaction,  progressive  in  its  tendency,  and  shall  be 
crowned  with  eternal  glory. 

The  peculiar  manner  in  which  it  is  effected.  Believers  are 
here  said  to  pass  from  death  unto  life.  But  is  it  their  own 
act  ?  No.  Such  a  change  is  the  effect  of  the  Spirit's  agency. 
He  infuses  the  principles  of  life  into  the  soul.  What  a  happy 
ti'ansition  !  Have  we  experienced  it  ?  This  leads  us  to  the 
other  inquiry  — 

How  MAY  AVE  ASCERTAIN  THAT  WE   ARE    THE    SUBJECTS 

OF  IT  ?  There  are  many  ways  by  which  this  may  be  dis- 
covered in  our  experience,  but  the  evidence  mentioned  in  our 
text  is  of  a  practical  tendency ;  "  Because  we  love  the  brctli- 
ren."     Observe 

The  objects  of  this  love.  "  The  brethren."  By  this  term 
we  may  understand  generally  all  mankind,  but  especially  be- 
lievers. They  are  the  brethren  in  Christ,  having  the  same 
origin,  nature,  privileges,  and  destinies. 

The  manner  in  tohich  it  is  to  he  evinced.  Not  in  word  only, 
but  in  deed.  By  feeling  interested  in  their  welfare,  by  de- 
lighting in  their  society,  by  rejoicing  in  their  prosperity,  by 
sympathizing  with  them  in  their  sorrows,  and  by  remember- 


THE    SOLEMN    INQUIUI'.  65 

ing  them  in  our  prayers.  We  are  not  only  to  love  them,  as 
they  are  creatures  formed  by  God's  power,  but  as  Christians 
renewed  by  his  grace. 


MARCH    1. 

THE  SOLEMN  INQUIRY. 

"  And  he  trembling  and  astonished  said,  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?" 
Acts  ix.  a. 

The  repentance  of  every  sinner  must  afford  joy  to  the 
friends  of  Christ,  because  then  a  soul  is  saved  from  death,  a 
brand  is  plucked  from  the  fire,  Satan's  empire  is  lessened, 
and  Christ's  kingdom  is  increased.  But  surely  the  conversion 
of  Saul  of  Tarsus  was  a  matter  of  extraordinary  interest. 
Let  us  glance  at 

The  sudden  effect  ruoDUCED.  The  voice  of  God  ar- 
rested hiui  in  his  journey  to  Damascus,  when  perhaps  he  was 
delighting  himself  with  the  prospect  of  making  havoc  in  the 
church  there  ;  an  overwhelming  blaze  of  glory  shone  round 
about  him,  while  the  appeal  tliundered  in  his  ear,  "  Saul, 
Saul,  why  persecutest  thou  me?" 

There  teas  an  effect  of  fear  ;  "  he  trembled."  His  con- 
science had  been  asleep,  but  now  it  was  aroused,  and  he  who 
had  made  so  many  to  quake  with  fear  now  tx'erables  himself. 
The  martyrdom  of  Stephen  was,  no  doubt,  fresh  in  his  recol- 
lection, and  guilt  seized  his  soul.  This  will  be  the  effect  when 
the  Spirit  pours  the  rays  of  Divine  light  into  the  darkened 
mind  ;  we  tremble  before  God. 

There  ivas  an  effect  of  surprise.  "  He  was  astonished"  at 
what  he  saw  and  heard  ;  astonished  at  the  glory  of  Christ ; 
he  had  rejected  and  desj)ised  him  as  a  deceiver,  imposing  on 
the  credulity  of  weak-minded  men  ;  astonished  at  the  knowl- 
edge of  Christ,  that  his  deeds  of  infamj^  had  been  observed  ; 
that  his  name  and  thoughts  and  designs  were  known  to  Jesus  ; 
astonished  at  the  love  of  Christ,  that  he  should  not  iullict  pun- 
ishment on  him  immediately  after  exposing  his  sin  ;  astonished 
at  the  power  of  Christ,  that  could  stem  the  torrent  of  his  in- 
iquity, and  arrest  him  in  his  errand  of  blood. 

There  was  an  effect  of  inquiry.  "  Lord,  what  will  thou 
have  me  to  do  ? "  "When  w^e  tind  ourselves  in  the  path  of 
error,  we  must  inquire  for  the  way  of  truth.  The  awakened 
sinner  puts  this  question  from  a  sense  of  guilt,  a  view  of  dan- 
ger, and  an  apprehension  of  vengeance. 
6* 


66  THE  HARMONY  OF  PROVIDENCE. 

MARCH  2. 

THE  HARMONY  OF  PROVIDENCE. 

•■  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  lore  God,  to  them 
who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpose."  —  Rom.  viii.  28. 

The  providence  of  God  is  an  interesting  subject  for  our 
contemplation,  extending  as  it  does  from  the  mightiest  to  the 
meanest  of  his  creatures.  It  is  so  vast  that  he  presides  over 
the  armies  of  heaven,  and  the  destinies  of  states  and  empires 
are  under  his  control ;  so  minute  that  a  sparrow  falleth  not  to 
the  ground  without  his  knowledge  of  it.  This  passage  gives 
us  an  animating  view  of  it. 

A  DESCRIPTION  OF  CHARACTER.     Believers  are  described 

By  their  calling.  They  have  the  inward  call  of  the  Spirit, 
accompanied  with  Divine  power,  and  according  to  the  eternal 
purpose  of  God. 

By  their  love.  This  will  be  found  in  the  hearts  of  all  the 
children  of  God,  and  is  evinced  by  their  delight  in,  thirst 
after,  communion  with,  and  obedience  to  him. 

A  DECLARATION  OF  COMFORT.  To  sucli  individuals,  all 
things  work  together  for  good.     Here  note 

Universality.  "  All  things  ;"  that  is,  all  the  providential 
dispensations  of  God,  not  our  sins  and  acts  of  rebellion  against 
him,  but  his  dealings  with  us.  How  prone  are  we  to  say 
with  Jacob,  "  All  these  things  are  against  me  !" 

Harmony.  "  Work  together."  This  may  allude  to  the 
mixing  up  of  various  ingredients  of  different  medicinal  qual- 
ities, in  order  to  relieve  the  patient  laboring  under  some 
bodily  malady.  God  often  effects  the  greatest  good,  by  ap- 
parently the  most  unlikely  means.  There  must  be  time  for 
them  to  work  and  harmonize  together,  and  by  and  by  we 
shall  see  the  glorious 

Design,  "  for  good."  This  is  the  end  of  God  in  all  that 
concerns  us,  to  wean  us  from  the  world,  endear  us  to  himself, 
prepare  us  for  his  will  in  all  things,  and  ripen  us  for  glory. 

An  EXPRESSION  OF  CONFIDENCE.  "We  kiiow ;"  the 
Apostle  does  not  speak  of  it  as  a  matter  of  probability,  but  as 
something  certain.  We  know  it  from  the  word  of  Scripture, 
and  the  testimony  of  experience.  Providence  may  be 
compared  to  a  great  clock,  containing  in  it  the  most  curious 
machinery,  in  which  there  are  many  wheels  of  various  dimen- 


THE    GKAOIOUS    REI'LV.  67 

sions  and  complex  movement ;  but  all  is  regulated  exactly  by 
the  great  Fountain  of  light,  and  will  go  on  keeping  time  and 
order,  till  the  ultimate  designs  of  God  are  accomplished. 


MARCU   3. 

THE  GRACIOUS  REPLY. 

"  And  the  Lord  said  unto,  him,  Arise,  and  go  into  the  city,  and  it  shall  Ije  told  thee 
what  thou  must  do."  —  Acts  ix.  6. 

This  was  the  language  of  Jesus  to  Saul  of  Tarsus,  in  the 
midst  of  his  trembling  and  astonishment,  when  arrested  by 
the  arm  of  omnipotence  and  love,  on  liis  way  to  Damascus. 
Let  us  notice 

The  DiviXE  directiox  givex.  Li  his  awakening  and 
conviction,  a  miraculous  influence  is  employed ;  but  he  is  to 
receive  further  instructions  in  the  use  of  means.  When  the 
penitent  sinner,  under  a  deep  sense  of  his  guilt,  inquires  what 
he  must  do,  we  have  a  suitable  reply  — 

Believe  in  Christ.  This  was  the  dii-ection  of  Paul  and 
Silas  to  the  Philippian  jailer.  Stay  not  questioning  his  wil- 
lingness, for  "  every  one  that  asketh  receiveth  "  —  doubt  not 
his  power,  for  he  is  "  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost "  —  plead 
not  your  unfitness,  for  though  you  arc  not  worthy,  you  are 
welcome. 

Repent  of  sin.  This  doctrine  was  proclaimed  by  the 
prophets,  taught  by  Christ  and  his  apostles,  and  is  now  pub- 
lished by  the  ambassadors  of  truth.  The  teai'S  of  repentance 
for  sin  must  precede  the  emotions  of  joy  on  account  of  par- 
don. 

Pray  for  mercy.  Prayer  is  one  of  the  best  evidences  of  a 
changed  heart.  It  was  said  of  Saul,  "  Behold,  he  prayeth." 
A  single  sentence,  a  groan  that  cannot  be  uttered,  proceeding 
from  a  contrite  heart,  shall  never  be  despised. 

Live  to  God.  Those  whom  God  renews  by  his  grace  ai-e 
bound  by  the  most  solemn  ties  to  live  to  his  glory.  Go,  then, 
to  the  sacred  volume,  visit  the  sanctuary,  and  Divine  ordinan- 
ces ;  and  there  it  shall  be  told  thee  what  thou  must  do.  Rea- 
der, arise,  the  Master  is  come,  and  calleth  for  thee. 


68  SEEKING    CUHIST    IN    YOUTH. 

MARCH    4. 

SEEKING  CHRIST  IN  YOUTH. 

"I  love  them  that  love  me  •  and  those  that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me.'"— rioy. 

viii.  17. 

So  says  our  Saviour,  under  the  character  of  Wisdom ;  let 
the  young  remember  that  he  has  peculiar  claims  on  them. 
Note 

"What  he  requires  of  you.    It  is  to  love  and  seek  him. 

The  principle  you  are  to  possess.  "  Love."  This  is  rea- 
sonable when  you  consider  who  he  is,  what  he  became,  and 
what  he  has  done.  He  deserves  your  supreme  affection  and 
regard.  "  My  son,  give  me  thy  heart."  If  this  is  not  yielded, 
all  your  sacrifices  are  vain. 

The  practice  you  are  to  pursue.  "  Seek  him."  This  im- 
plies that  you  have  lost  him ;  his  image,  love,  favor,  and 
and  friendship  are  lost  by  sin,  but  they  may  be  regained. 
Where  is  he  to  be  sought  ?  In  the  Scriptures  of  truth,  at  the 
footstool  of  mercy,  and  in  the  house  of  God.  How  ?  Ear- 
nestly, constantly,  and  perseveringly.  When  ?  "  Early." 
Begin  in  the  morning  of  your  days,  for  there  is  much  to  be 
done;  then  the  mind  is  more  susceptible  of  Divine  impres- 
sions, and  there  is  a  comparative  freedom  from  the  many 
hinderances  that  encompass  us  in  after  life ;  and  the  night 
cometh  when  no  man  can  work.  The  flower  of  youth  never 
looks  so  lovely  as  when  it  bends  towards  the  Sun  of  right- 
eousness. 

What  he  promises  to  y'OU.  If  you  love  him,  you  shall 
be  loved  of  him  ;  and  if  you  seek  him,  he  will  be  found  of  j'ou. 

The  love  he  hears.  Plow  wonderful  is  it  when  you  consider 
his  greatness,  your  unworthiness,  and  the  ways  in  which  his 
love  is  manifested ! 

The  assurance  he  gives.  You  shall  find  him  as  your  God 
in  covenant,  your  guide  in  youth,  your  refuge  in  anger,  your 
support  in  age,  your  hope  in  death,  your  plea  in  judgment, 
and  your  triumph  in  glory. 

"  The  soul  that  longs  to  see  my  face, 
Is  sure  my  love  to  gain  : 
And  those  that  early  seek  mj'  grace, 
Shall  never  seek  in  vain." 


L>1V1XE    PKOTECTION.  69 

JMAKCU    O. 

DIVINE  PROTECTION. 

"  Ue  will  keep  the  feet  of  his  saints.''  —  1  Sam.  ii.  9. 

Tins  is  part  of  Hannah's  song  of  praise  to  God,  who  had 
given  her  an  answer  to  her  prayers  in  the  birth  of  Samuel. 
Note 

TuE  ciiARACTEU  DEsCRiuED,  "  his  saints."  It  is  often 
used  as  a  term  of  reproach,  but  it  is  a  title  of  honor  and  dig- 
nity.    Two  ideas  are  included  in  it. 

Separation.  A  saint  is  one  set  apart  for  God,  for  the  re- 
ception of  his  grace,  the  promotion  of  his  glory,  and  the  eter- 
nal enjoyment  of  his  presence.  Those  who  are  dedicated  to 
God  must  be  separated  from  the  world. 

Sanctity.  To  be  a  saint  is  to  be  made  holy,  and  to  have 
all  the  powers  and  passions  of  the  mind  sanctified  for  God. 

The  tuutii  i^ii'Lied.  The  saints  are  exposed  to  danger, 
and  require  Divine  protection. 

There  are  dangers  ^oithin  us,  and  these  arise  from  the  de- 
pravity and  corruption  of  the  human  heart ;  here  is  our 
worst  enemy,  and  the  seat  of  all  evil. 

There  are  dangers  around  us.  The  world  with  its  flatter- 
ing charms  accosts  our  eye,  and  presents  a  gilded  cup  filled 
with  deadly  poison  ;  and  our  adversary  the  devil  goeth  about 
as  a  roaring  lion,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour,  so  that  we 
have  need  to  pray,  "  Hold  thou  me  up,  and  I  shall  be  safe." 

The  safety  insured.  "He  will  keep  the  feet  of  his 
saints,"  that  is,  all  that  belongs  to  them,  even  to  the  lowest 
part  of  the  body,  shall  be  under  his  care ;  he  will  establish 
their  goings,  keep  them  from  falling,  and  order  all  their  steps. 
Let  us  therefore  commit  our  way  to  him,  and  go  forth  in  his 
strength,  resting  on  the  arm  of  Omnipotence.  We  may  meet 
opposition  in  our  course,  but  it  shall  be  overruled  for  good. 
The  young  tree  that  is  shaken  by  the  wind  may  lose  some 
leaves,  and  some  fruit  too ;  but  the  root  only  strikes  itself 
deeper  into  the  ground,  and  the  branches  are  prepared  for  a 
richer  crop  of  fruit  when  the  summer  returns. 

"  He  friiards  tliy  soul,  he  keeps  thy  breath, 
Where  thickest  dangers  come  ; 
Go  and  return,  secure  from  death, 
Till  God  shall  call  thee  home." 


70  CHKISTJAX    HUMILI'rr. 

MARCH    6. 

CHRISTIAN  HUMILITY. 

"  Humble  yourselves  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord."  —James  iv.  10. 

"We  cannot  fail  to  remark,  in  reading  tlie  Scriptures,  what 
an  inseparable  connection  exists  between  duty  and  privilege. 
We  serve  a  good  Master,  who,  while  he  does  not  require 
more  than  we  can  render,  promises  more  than  we  can  ask  or 
think.     Look  at  the  passage  before  us.     Here  is 

An  impoetant  duty.     It  is  that  of  humility. 

Reason  teaches  it.  How  natural  is  pride  to  man  !  It  is  a 
noxious  weed  that  grows  in  the  garden  of  nature,  and  nothing 
but  the  grace  of  God  can  root  it  up.  Should  not  the  finite 
creature  be  humbled  before  the  infinite  Jehovah  ?  Is  it  not 
unreasonable  for  a  weak  and  perishing  worm  of  the  earth  to 
indulge  in  feelings  of  pride  ? 

Scripture  enforces  it.  It  is  enforced  by  precept  and  ex- 
ample. How^  much  is  said  in  commendation  of  this  Christian 
grace,  and  by  what  a  variety  of  motives  are  we  urged  to  cul- 
tivate it.  It  is  represented  as  desirable  in  itself,  ornamental 
to  the  character,  and  beneficial  in  its  results. 

Our  loelfare  requires  it.  We  must  be  humbled  before  the 
cross,  ere  we  are  elevated  to  the  throne.  Grace  is  given  to 
the  humble.  A  proud  Christian !  It  is  an  anomaly,  a  con- 
tradiction in  terms  ;  you  may  as  well  talk  of  an  honest  thief, 
an  ignorant  philosopher,  or  a  cowardly  hero.  Humility 
adorns  its  possessor.  The  humble  Christian  seeks  not  the 
approbation  of  the  thoughtless  multitude,  but  is  satisfied  to 
cast  in  his  lot  with  the  despised  few  ;  and  rejoices  that  his 
witness  is  in  heaven,  and  his  record  on  high.  He  may  be 
compared  to  the  violet  which  rises  but  a  little  way  above  the 
ground,  and  hangs  down  its  blushing  head,  and  covers  its 
beauties  with  its  own  leaves  ;  and  were  it  not  that  the  odor  of 
his  many  virtues  drew  the  attention  of  those  around,  he  would 
choose  to  bloom  and  wither  in  solitude.  Let  me,  then,  cultivate 
this  grace,  and  learn  of  Him  who  was  meek  and  lowly  in 
heart. 

"  The  saint  tliat  wears  heaven's  brightest  crown, 
In  deepest  adoration  bends  ; 
The  weight  of  glory  bows  him  down 
The  most  wlien  most  his  soul  ascends  : 
Nearest  the  throne  itself  must  be 
The  footstool  of  liumilitv." 


CHRISTIAN    EXALTATION.  71 

MARCH    7. 

CHRISTIAN  EXALTATION. 

"  And  he  shall  lift  you  up."  —  James  iv.  10. 

The  sentiment  of  the  whole  verse  is  in  accordance  with 
the  maxim  of  the  Saviour,  —  "  He  that  humbleth  himself  shall 
be  exalted."     We  ha/ve  here 

A  TLEASiNG  PROMISE.  It  is  made  to  humble  souls.  God 
lifts  them  up  from  despair  by  a  sioeet  sense  of  pardon.  Some- 
times the  load  of  guilt  is  felt  so  heavily  by  the  poor  sinner, 
that  mercy  is  despaired  of,  and  his  case  is  viewed  as  despe- 
rate ;  but  in  God's  own  time  the  promise  is  fulfilled,  and  as 
the  bright  beams  of  the  Divine  favor  pierce  the  dark  clouds  of 
sin,  and  scatter  them  to  the  four  winds  of  heaven,  a  cheering 
voice  is  heard,  —  "  Arise,  shine,  for  thy  light  is  come,  and  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  is  risen  upon  thee."  Thus  God  lifts  upon 
us  the  light  of  his  countenance. 

He  lifts  them  up  from  affliction  hj  the  comforts  of  his  grace. 
When  the  hand  of  his  fatherly  correction  is  on  them,  the  arm 
of  his  paternal  love  and  pity  is  beneath  them.  And  when  he 
has  tried  them  in  his  own  way,  and  for  his  own  wise  and  gra- 
cious designs,  he  will  bring  them  forth. 

He  lifts  them  up  in  death  with  Ms  cheering  presence.  Death 
is  the  tribute  money  that  every  believer  must  pay  before  he 
enters  the  gate  of  heaven.  "  Flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit 
the  kingdom  of  God."  Though  the  poor  body  is  brought  low 
in  death,  how  often  is  the  soul  lifted  up !  What  ravishing 
views  has  it  of  Christ  and  things  divine,  even  while  grappling 
with  the  last  enemy  ;  and  longing  for  a  release  from  the  prison 
of  clay  and  the  contaminating  influence  of  sin,  to  breathe  in 
the  pure,  untainted  atmosphere  of  immortal  bliss  ! 

He  un'll  I  ft  them  vpfrom  the  grave  at  the  last  day.  Their 
mortal  remains  are  deposited  in  the  tomb,  only  for  a  certain 
period.  At  the  resurrection,  the  trumpet  of  the  archangel 
shall  wake  them,  and  the  Divine  power  shall  collect  and  re- 
animate their  scattered  dust,  so  that  in  their  flesh  they  stiall 
see  God. 

He  ivill  lift  them  up  to  the  glories  of  heaven.  "VNTiat  an  ele- 
vation !  —  The  happy  saint  raised  to  the  very  throne  of  the 
great  Eternal ;  lifted  up  above  the  reach  of  all  that  would  de- 
grade its  nature,  defile  its  purity,  inteiTupt  its  enjoyments,  or 
disturb  its  blissful  contemplations.  Let  us  cultivate  a  humble 
spirit,  and,  disdaining  to  thirst  after  worldly  distinctions,  seek 
that  honor  that  cometh  from  above. 


72  THE  ATTRACTION  OF  LOVE. 

MARCH  8. 

THE   ATTRACTION  OF   LOVE. 

"  I  drew  them  ivith  cords  of  a  man,  with  hands  of  love  :  and  I  was  to  them  as  they 
that  take  off  the  yoke  on  their  jaws,  and  I  laid  meat  unto  them." —  Hos.  xi.  4. 

This  chapter  records  Israel's  sins  and  God's  mercies.  In 
the  text  we  have  three  things  that  God  does  for  his  people. 
Let  us  look  at  each  in  the  order  in  which  they  stand.  They 
may  be  expressed  in  three  words. 

Attraction.     "  I  drew  them."     Observe 

Its  nature.  It  supposes  a  state  of  distance.  The  design  of 
God  in  the  Gospel  is  to  draw  man  to  himself.  Sin  has 
enticed,  mercy  attracts.  This  is  a  drawing  from  the  paths  of 
sin  to  the  ways  of  holiness,  to  the  throne  of  grace,  the  house 
of  God,  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  the  glories  of  heaven. 

Its  Agent.  It  is  God  himself.  The  corruptions  of  the  hu- 
man heart  are  so  strong,  that  nothing  short  of  a  Divine  power 
can  subdue  them. 

Its  method.  "  With  cords  of  a  man,  with  bands  of  love." 
It  is  reasonable.  The  Almighty  condescends  to  reason  and 
plead  with  us,  that  we  may  reason  with  oui'selves.  He  ar- 
gues the  case  with  us,  as  one  man  would  with  another.  It  is 
affectionate :  —  "  With  bands  of  love."  The  Gospel  breathes 
love,  and  is  calculated  to  attract  the  mind  and  win  the  heart. 
The  awful  denunciations  of  the  law  must  always  be  connected 
with  the  sweet  accents  of  the  Gospel. 

Liberty.  "  And  I  was  to  them  as  they  that  take  off  the 
yoke  on  their  jaws."  Here  is  an  allusion  to  the  merciful  hus- 
bandman, who  does  not  keep  his  cattle  continually  at  work, 
but  releases  them  from  the  yoke,  that  they  may  rest  and  eat. 
In  the  cultivation  of  the  land  in  eastern  countries,  it  was  the 
general  custom  to  use  oxen.  Thus  the  Israelites  were  res- 
cued from  Egyptian  bondage ;  and  the  sinner,  in  the  day  of 
conversion,  is  made  free,  rescued  from  the  dominion  of  sin,  the 
9^iirse  of  the  law,  and  the  tyranny  of  Satan: 

jProvision.  "  And  I  laid  meat  unto  them  ; "  as  the  hus- 
bandman does  when  his  cattle  are  unyoked.  Those  who  are 
drawn  to  God,  and  made  free,  have  an  appetite  for  spiritual 
provision.     The  food  God  gives  to  his  people  is 

Suitable  as  to  qualify/.  Adapted  to  the  soul's  capacities  and 
wants.  Not  that  which  perishes,  but  that  which  endures  unto 
everlasting  life.     It  is  "  laid  unto  them,"  brought  nigh,  in  the 


DIVINE    GUIDANCE.  73 

covenant  of  mercy,   the   announcements  of    Scripture,   the 
jireaching  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  teaching  of  the  Spirit. 

Sufficient  as  to  qua7ititf/.     There  is  in  the  Gospel  a  rich 
abundance, 

"  Enough  for  each,  enough  for  all, 
Enough  for  evermore." 


MAKCH    9. 

DIVINE    GUIDANCE. 

"  Thou  shalt  guide  me  with  tliy  counsel."  —  Psalm  Ixxiii.  24. 

Religion  is  the  only  source  of  true  happiness  ;  it  yields  us 
the  purest  pleasures  in  time,  and  reveals  to  us  the  briglitest 
joys  in  eternity.  It  is  a  system  admirably  adapted  to  the  im- 
mortal nature  of  man,  and  nothing  else  can  restore  us  to  pri- 
meval happiness.  It  enables  its  possessor  to  exercise  unshak- 
en confidence  in  God,  both  with  regard  to  this  world  and  that 
which  is  to  come.  Let  us  consider  what  God  secures  to  his 
people  in  this  life. 

Divine  Guidance.  How  necessary  is  this  !  Many  of 
our  dangers  we  do  not  perceive  till  we  have  passed  them. 
These  arise  from  various  sources  ;  our  inward  corruptions,  the 
stratagems  of  Satan,  and  the  influence  of  the  world.  There 
is  nothing  so  dangerous  to  our  bodies,  as  the  world  is  to  our 
souls.     How  does  God  guide  his  people  ? 

JBi/  the  directions  of  his  toord.  The  Bible  is  our  Divine 
chart ;  a  map  of  the  celestial  as  well  as  the  terrestrial  world  : 
here  are  marked  out  in  legible  characters,  the  way  we  are  to 
jjursue,  the  innumerable  dangers  to  which  we  are  exposed, 
and  the  heavenly  country  to  which  we  are  bound.  If  we  have 
not  open  manifestations  of  his  presence,  still  we  have  the 
epistles  of  his  love. 

By  the  teaching  of  Ms  Spirit.  By  nature  we  are  wander- 
ing in  error,  but  he  guides  us  into  all  truth,  and  keeps  us  in 
the  way  everlasting.  We  must  watch  the  motions  and  lead- 
ings of  his  Spirit ;  and  thus  seek  Divine  direction. 

By  the  intimations  of  his  providence.  The  Providence  of 
God  is  to  us  what  the  pillar  of  cloud  and  fire  was  to  the  Isra- 
elites. We  must  not  move  when  the  cloud  rests,  nor  remain 
stationary  while  it  is  in  motion. 

"  Let  the  fieiy,  cloudy  pillar 
Lead  me  all'  mv  journey  through." 

rj 


74  FUTURE    GLORY. 

MARCH    10, 

FUTURE  GLOHY. 

"  And  afterward  receive  me  to  glory."  — Psalm  Ixxiii.  24. 

The  thoughts,  contemplntions,  jind  desires  of  the  generality 
of  mankind  are  bounded  by  time,  and  riveted  to  earth ;  but 
not  so  with  the  Christian  :  he  pursues  a  nobler  course,  breathes 
in  a  purer  atmosphere,  and  is  allured  to  brighter  worlds  ;  and, 
adopting  the  sentiment  of  Asaph,  he  exclaims,  "  Thou  shalt 
guide  me  with  thy  counsel,  and  afterward  receive  me  to  glo- 
ry."    God  ensures  to  his  people 

Future  glory.     Let  us  remark 

The  prospect.  "  Glory."  Heaven  is  often  thus  described 
by  way  of  eminence.  It  is  glory's  native  seat.  Every  object 
and  association  connected  Avith  it  is  glorious.  The  condition 
to  which  we  shall  be  raised,  the  powers  with  which  we  shall 
be  endowed,  the  visions  we  shall  behold,  the  discoveries  we 
shall  make,  the  occupations  in  which  we  shall  be  engaged,  and 
the  company  with  whom  we  shall  mingle,  all  will  be  glorious. 

The  introdxiction.  "  Thoii  shalt  receive  me."  Believers 
are  first  received  into  a  state  of  grace,  and  then  into  a  state  of 
glory.  They  are  received  as  an  act  of  sovereign  love  and 
mercy,  received  with  the  approving  smiles  of  God,  the  shouts 
of  angelic  hosts,  and  the  welcome  of  redeemed  spirits. 

The  period.  "  Afterward."  Why  does  not  God  take  his 
people  to  glory  immediately  on  their  conversion  ?  To  answer 
his  own  wise  ends  and  purposes.  They  are  instrumental  in 
carrying  on  his  cause  on  earth.  He  works  in  them  at  con- 
version, and  by  them  afterward.  Remember,  then,  it  is  in 
God's  time  you  are  to  be  taken  home  ;  heaven  will  be  delight- 
ful when  you  are  best  prepared  for  it :  the  child  would  pluck  the 
apple  while  it  is  green,  but  its  taste  would  be  more  agreeable 
if  he  would  wait  till  it  is  ripe.  Glory  will  be  yours,  after  your 
Avork  is  done,  your  graces  tried,  and  your  patience  perfected. 

"  These  glories  shine  and  pleasures  roll, 
That  charm,  delight,  transport  —  the  soul ; 
And  every  panting  wish  shall  be 
Possest  of  boundless  bliss  in  Thee." 


TUB    bPllUT    OF    CHiaST.  75 

MARCH    11. 

THE   SrilllT   OF   CHRIST. 

"  Now  if  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Clirist,  he  is  none  of  liis."  —  Rom.  viii.  9. 

Tnis  passage  is  familiar  to  the  ear ;  but  the  question  is,  is 
its  importance  impressed  on  the  heart  ?     Note 

The  designation  op  the  Spirit.  "  The  Spirit  of 
Christ."  Why  is  he  so  called  ?  Two  reasons  may  be  assign- 
ed :  —  First,  as  he  is  given  to  Christ,  and  that  not  by  mea- 
sure as  to  believers  ;  secondly,  as  bestowed  on  the  Christian 
in  connection  with  the  work  of  Christ. 

The  operations  of  the  Spirit. 

He  enlightens  the  understanding  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ. 
Till  his  heavenly  beams  shine  into  the  soul,  all  is  darkness ; 
he  glorifies  the  Saviour  in  our  experience. 

He  captivates  the  affections  xvith  the  love  of  Christ.  He 
kindles  the  celestial  flame  of  love  in  the  cold,  freezing  soul  ; 
and  it  burns  witli  a  holy  glow,  and  throws  warmth  and  anima- 
tion into  our  devotional  exei'cises  and  religious  engagements. 

He  inclines  the  will  in  obedience  to  Christ.  No  power  short 
of  that  Avhich  he  exerts  can  bend  the  proud  spirit.  There  is 
no  violence  employed  against  the  sinner ;  he  is  powerfully 
yet  sweetly  inclined  ;  made  willing  in  the  day  of  God's  power. 

He  forms  the  soul  in  the  likeness  of  Christ.  An  interest 
in  his  sacrifice  is  always  associated  with  a  conformity  to  his 
image.  As  the  wax  must  be  melted  before  it  can  receive  the 
impression  of  the  seal ;  so  the  heart  must  be  softened  by  the 
fire  of  the  Spirit,  ere  it  can  receive  the  image  of  Christ. 

The  evidences  of  the  Spirit.  How  may  we  know 
that  we  have  received  it?  Those  who  have  the  Spirit  of 
Christ  within,  will  display  the  temper  of  Christ  without.  It 
is  a  spirit  of  humility,  meekness,  peace,  love,  and  gentleness. 
Let  the  text  be  a  touchstone  to  you,  to  try  your  dispositions, 
tempers,  services,  feelings,  and  all  your  actions. 

"  Oh  !  may  a  temper,  meek  and  mild, 
With  gentle  sway  our  souls  possess  ; 
Passion  and  pride  be  thence  exiled, 
Aud  to  be  blest,  still  may  we  bless  " 


76  ELIIIU'S    ADVICE. 

MARCH    12. 

ELIHU'S   ADVICE  TO  JOB. 

"  Surely  it  is  meet  to  be  said  unto  God,  I  hare  borne  chastisement,  I  will  not  ofl'end 
any  more  :  that  which  I  see  not,  teach  thou  me  :  if  I  have  done  iniquity,  I  will  do  uo 
more."  —  Job  xxsiv.  31,  32. 

The  third  petition  in  our  Lord's  prayer  is  soon  uttei'ed, 
but  not  easily  felt  —  "  Thy  will  be  done."  It  is  more  diffi- 
cult to  suffer  than  to  do  the  will  of  God ;  to  lie  passive  at  his 
feet,  than  to  engage  in  the  active  duties  of  religion.  We  have 
before  us  part  of  Elihu's  advice  to  Job  in  his  afflictions.  The 
sentiments  it  contains  are  worthy  our  notice. 

Let  us  explain  them.     Here  are  four  things. 

It  is  the  language  of  submission.  The  word  chastisement 
is  in  italics,  which  shows  that  it  is  not  in  the  original ;  we  may 
therefoi'e  refer  this  act  of  submission  to  any  of  those  crosses 
with  which  the  Almighty  visits  us.  "We  should  desire  not  so 
much  the  removal  of  the  stroke,  as  the  sanctifieatiou  of  the 
trial. 

It  is  the  language  of  confessioyi.  This  is  implied  rather 
than  expressed.  "  I  will  not  offend  any  more."  God  shows 
us  our  sinfulness  in  our  sufferings.  Some  will  not  be  brought 
to  the  fuU  confession  of  their  guilt  without  the  fiery  trial  of 
affliction. 

It  is  the  language  of  promise.  "  If  I  have  done  iniquity,  I 
will  do  no  more."  Thus  when  the  parent  corrects  the  dis- 
obedient child,  he  not  only  requires  of  him  a  confession  of  his 
faults,  but  a  promise  of  futui'e  good  behavior. 

It  is  the  language  of  desire.  "  That  which  I  see  not,  teach 
thou  me."  Prayer  is  like  an  arrow  that  pierces  the  dark 
clouds  of  affliction,  and  makes  them  break,  with  blessings,  on 
the  Christian's  head ;  but  the  arrow  will  fall  to  the  ground, 
unless  the  bow  is  strung  and  bent  in  a  dependence  on  the 
power  of  the  Spirit.  Our  afflictions  are  sent  for  our  instruc- 
tion. There  are  many  things  that  we  see  not  in  the  light  of 
prosperity,  but  which  are  clearly  discovered  in  the  darkness 
of  adversity.  Christ  has  no  disciple  that  is  not  introduced 
into  the  school  of  affliction. 

Let  us  enforce  them.  Tlie  propriety  of  such  a  course 
will  appear 

When  we  consider  our  deserts.  Should  the  sinner  com- 
plain because  he  is  a  sufferer  ?  Is  it  meet  for  the  disobedient 
child  to  upbraid  his  father  when  he  is  correcting  him  for  his 
faults  ? 


THE    SOLUCE    OF    SPIKITUAL    BLESSINGS.  77 

When  tve  consider  God's  designs.  It  is  not  for  his  plea- 
sure, but  our  profit,  that  he  atiiicts  us.  Look  at  his  power; 
who  can  resist  him  ?  —  his  sovereignty  ;  who  can  question  tlie 
order  of  his  arrangements  ?  —  liis  wisdom  ;  who  can  dispnte 
it  ?  Tlic  axe  miglit  be  hiid  to  the  root  ia  justice,  but  tlic  prun- 
ing knife  is  appHcd  to  the  branch  in  mercy.  It  is  a  true  sen- 
timent, that  God  orders  all  his  blackest  providences  in  the 
world,  like  dark  clouds,  to  be  the  watering-pots  of  the  gai'den 
of  his  church,  that  the  fruits  and  flowers  of  it  may  be  brought 
to  maturity. 

MARCH    13. 

THE    SOURCE   OF   SPIRITUAL   BLESSINGS. 

"  Now  the  Ood  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing,  that  ye  may  abound 
in  hope,  throuijh  the  power  of  thelloly  Ghost." — Itom.  xv.  13. 

Religion  ennobles  the  character,  exalts  the  feelings,  and 
promotes  the  happiness,  of  its  possessor.  It  teaches  him  to 
cultivate  a  disinterested,  kind,  and  benevolent  spirit  ;  such  as 
Paul  displayed.  "We  have  reviewed  the  nature  and  the  mea- 
sure of  those  blessings  he  desires  for  his  friends ;  let  us  now 
contemplate 

The  source  from  whence  tiiet  proceed.  "  The  God 
of  hope."  He  is  the  fountain  of  hope  ;  its  streams  can  only 
ilow  to  us  from  him ;  he  is  the  author  and  object  of  it ;  with- 
out him  not  one  ray  of  hope  can  shine  into  the  soul. 

The  means  uy  which  they  are  obtained.  "In  believ- 
ing." Without  faith  we  can  have  no  acceptance  with  God, 
no  comfort  in  the  soul.  The  blessings  to  which  Ave  have  re- 
ferred are  peculiar  to  believers  ;  they  cannot  be  enjoyed  while 
we  are  in  a  natural  state  —  taith  gives  us  a  capacity  for  the 
delightful  feelings  which  they  impart. 

The  agent  by  whom  they  are  bestowed.  "Through 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  And  what  are  we,  what  can 
we  do,  or  feel,  or  enjoy  witliout  his  power?  He  turns  our 
darkness  into  light,  ])ours  the  oil  of  joy  and  peace  on  the  trou- 
bled soul,  and  produces  a  heavenly  calm  ;  this  power  makes 
us  to  abound  in  hope.  Oh  !  shall  we  not  invoke  it  ?  Blessed 
Spirit,  exert  thy  power  on  me,  bear  thy  testimony  with  me, 
and  seal  me  thine  to  the  day  of  redemption. 

"  Come,  heavenly  Comforter !  come, 
Sweet  witness  of  mercy  divine  ! 
And  make  me  thy  permanent  home, 

And  seal  me  eternally  thine." 
7* 


78  ABUNDANCE    OF    SPIRITUAL    BLESSINGS. 

MARCH    14. 

ABUNDANCE   OF  SPIRITUAL   BLESSINGS. 

"  Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing,  that  ye  may  abound 
in  hope,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  —  Horn.  xt.  13. 

This  is  tlie  best  desire  we  can  express  on  behalf  of  those 
whom  we  love  and  wish  well  to.     Note 

The  blessings  implored.  They  refer  not  to  the  wants 
of  the  body,  but  to  those  of  the  soul,  the  nobler  part  of  our 
being.     Let  us,  then,  look  at  them. 

Joy.  This  is  a  feeling  the  Gospel  is  designed  and  well 
calculated  to  impart —  a  joy  that  is  solid  in  its  foundation,  rea- 
sonable in  its  nature,  holy  in  its  tendency,  and  lasting  in  its 
duration. 

Peace.  This  blessing  refers  to  the  tranquillity  of  a  con- 
science calmed  by  the  blood  of  Christ ;  an  inward  composure 
and  serenity  of  mind,  arising  from  the  delightful  persuasion  of 
our  reconciliation  to  God.  It  results  not  from  ignorance  of 
our  danger,  but  the  knowledge  of  our  safety. 

Hope.  The  Christian's  hope  is  not  founded  on  the  rotten 
basis  of  human  merit,  but  the  firm  foundation  of  God's  grace. 
It  is  heavenly  in  its  origin,  influences,  and  consummation. 

The  measure  desired.  Our  danger  is  not  in  asking  too 
much  from  God,  but  in  expecting  too  little.  Paul  prays  for 
the  Romans, 

That  they  might  he  filled  with  all  joy  and  peace.  There  is 
a  fulness  and  satisfaction  in  religion  wliich  the  world  can 
never  yield.  How  much  enjoyment  in  the  divine  life  we  lose 
by  our  indifference !  We  are  often  mourning  in  the  valley  of 
despondency,  when  we  might  be  rejoicing  on  the  mount  of 
assurance;  we  are  often  driven  backwards  and  forwards,  and 
hindered  in  our  progress,  when  we  might  be  going  full  sail 
towards  the  destined  port. 

That  they  tniyld  abound  in  liope.  The  aboundings  of  hope 
produce  feelings  of  joy.  We  may  entertain  a  hope  of  heaven, 
and  have  a  good  hope,  yet  not  be  said  to  abound  in  it.  It 
should  be  our  first  care  to  possess  it,  and  then  to  have  it  more 
abundantly. 

How  happy  is  the  Cliristiaii's  state  ! 
'  His  sins  are  all  forgiven  ; 
A  cheering  joy  confirms  the  grace, 
And  lifts  his  hopes  to  heaven. 


DELIGHT    IN    PRATER.  79 

MARCH    15. 

DELIGHT  IN  PRAYER. 

"  Delight  thyself  also  in  the  Lord  ;  and  he  shall  give  thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart." 
I'salni  xxxvii.  4. 

True  piety,  while  it  softens  and  humbles  the  soul,  secures 
to  the  behever  the  most  refined  enjoyments.  Let  us  contem- 
plate the  Christian's  delight  in  prayer,  three  ways. 

Its  nature.  It  greatly  differs  from  the  false  and  delusive 
pleasures  of  the  world. 

It  is  a  delight  in  the  object  offvorjer  —  and  that  is  God  him- 
self—  in  the  perfections  of  his  nature,  the  bounty  of  his  provi- 
dence, the  discoveries  of  his  word,  and  the  blessings  of  his 
grace. 

It  is  a  delight  in  the  medium  of  -prayer  —  and  that  is  Christ. 
We  cannot  approach  the  Father  but  through  the  mediation  of 
the  Son.  Our  prayers  will  have  no  sweet-smelling  savor, 
unless  they  are  perfumed  with  the  incense  of  his  sacrifice  and 
intercession. 

It  is  a  delight  in  the  exercise  of  prayer.  The  man  who  re- 
joices in  God  must  delight  in  prayer  ;  the  seasons  of  devotion 
are  reflected  on,  and  anticipated  by  him  with  feelings  of  holy 
pleasure  and  delight. 

Its  source.     It  is  not  human  but  Divine.     It  springs 

From  the  operations  of  the  Spirit.  If  the  soul  is  animated, 
and  burns  with  devotion,  it  is  he  that  enkindles  the  fire  —  the 
Spirit  is  the  spring  that  moves  us,  the  wind  that  blows  on  us, 
the  power  that  influences  us,  and  the  light  that  illumines  us. 

From  the  supplies  of  grace.  If  the  Spirit  lights  up  the  fire 
of  devotion  in  tlie  lieart,  grace  is  the  oil  that  keeps  it  alive. 
We  cannot  delight  in  prayer  if  we  are  not  spiritually  quick- 
ened.    Prayer  without  grace  is  prayer  without  wings. 

From  the  reception  of  former  favors.  Those  who  have  found 
mercy,  and  obtained  help  from  God  in  the  past,  should  de- 
light in  approaching  him,  that  his  gracious  acts  may  be  re- 
peated. 

Its  advantages.  They  are  inestimable,  beyond  calcula- 
tion, and  surpassing  human  conception.  Prayer  accomplishes 
wonders  for  the  believer  ;  it  inspires  him  with  lively  emotions 
of  joy,  emboldens  him  in  danger,  supports  him  in  the  conflict, 
consoles  him  in  sorrow,  animates  him  in  death,  and  lights  him 
to  glory,  where  the  language  of  prayer  shall  be  exchanged  for 
the  shouts  of  praise. 


80  JUSTIFICATION. 

MARCH    16. 

JUSTIFICATION. 

"  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus/' 
Horn.  iii.  24. 

It  is  delightful,  when  clear  views  and  perceptions  of  Gos- 
pel truth  are  connected  with  the  experimental  enjoyment  of 
its  blessings,  and  a  practical  regard  to  its  duties.  The  most 
important  inquiry  we  can  possibly  make  is,  "  How  can  man  be 
just  with  God  ?  "  This  passage  furnishes  us  with  a  satisfac- 
tory answer.     Note 

What  it  is.  With  regard  to  justification,  two  things  may 
be  observed. 

What  it  imjilies.  There  is  the  supposition  of  a  charge  pre- 
ferred, and  that  charge  is  sin  against  God.  There  is  not  only 
the  fact  of  alienation  from  God,  but  the  act  of  enmity  to  God 
—  thus  we  are  under  the  law,  and  amenable  to  it. 

What  it  includes.  To  be  justified,  is  to  be  freed  from  im- 
puted guilt,  and  thus  released  from  threatened  punishment.  It 
is  to  be  acquitted  in  the  court  of  heaven,  and  to  find  accept- 
ance with  God. 

How  it  is  bestowed.  "  Freely  by  his  grace."  The 
agent  is  God  himself;  the  source,  "  his  gi'ace,"  which  is  an 
overflowing  fountain,  sending  forth  the  streams  of  light  and 
life,  love  and  joy,  and  every  blessing.  The  manner  is  "  free- 
ly "  —  as  an  act  of  Divine  mercy,  and  not  the  fruit  of  human 
merit. 

Whence  it  comes.  "  Through  the  redemption  that  is  in 
Chi-ist  Jesus." 

He  died  to2)>'Ocure  it.  No  price  of  less  value  than  he  paid 
could  obtain  our  acquittal  from  punishment,  and  our  accept- 
ance with  God ;  and  the  whole  universe  could  not  produce 
a  more  costly  ransom. 

He  rose  to  insure  it.  When  he  died  on  the  cross,  justice 
arrested  him  with  her  strong  arm ;  when  he  arose  from  the 
tomb,  she  led  him  forth  with  a  smile,  mingling  her  shouts  Avith 
mercy's  triumphs ;  while  wisdom,  holiness,  truth,  and  power, 
followed  in  the  train. 

Jle  lives  to  confer  it.  He  is  exalted  to  the  highest  honors, 
and  for  the  discharge  of  the  most  important  Avork.  Let  me 
never  seek  to  be  justified  at  the  tribunal  of  the  law,  alone ; 
but  take  with  me  the  Advocate,  whose  skill  enables,  and  whose 
compassion  will  prompt  him  to  plead  my  cause. 


UUAWING    NIGH   TO    GOD.  81 

MARCH    17. 

DRAWING  NIGH   TO    GOD. 

"  Draw  nigh  to  God,  and  he  will  draw  nigh  to  you." — James  iv.  8. 

Man  by  nature  is  far  from  God  ;  by  grace,  be  is  brought 
near ;  and  in  glory  be  is  nearest  of  all.  Tbe  first  is  tbe  mis- 
erable state  of  the  unregenerate  ;  tbe  second  is  tbe  happy  con- 
dition of  believers  on  earth  ;  and  the  third  is  the  triumphant 
destination  of  the  saints  in  glory.     In  this  passage,  observe 

AVhat  is  required  of  us.     It  is  to  draw  nigh  to  God. 

Tlie  medium.  We  cannot  approach  him  as  an  abstract 
God  :  sin  has  cut  off  the  channel  of  communication  between 
earth  and  heaven  ;  so  that  all  our  transactions  with  the  Divine 
Being  must  be  carried  on  through  the  mediation  of  Christ. 
The  Divine  glory  would  overwhelm  us  ;  but  Christ's  flesh,  as 
a  veil,  softens  its  brilliance,  and  takes  away  the  edge  of  its 
brightness. 

The  means.  We  must  draw  nigh  to  God  at  the  throne  of 
grace,  in  the  temple,  in  the  scenes  of  meditation,  and  in  all  the 
divinely  instituted  ordinances. 

2^he  manner.  It  must  be  done  in  the  exercise  of  faith  — 
in  the  spirit  of  humility  —  with  holy  love  and  desire — and 
with  godly  fear  and  reverence. 

The  end.  What  have  we  to  do  with  him  ?  ]\Iuch  every 
way,  both  in  rendering  praise  to  him,  and  receiving  benefits 
from  him.  Draw  nigh  to  him  as  a  Friend  for  help,  a  Father 
for  compassion,  a  Master  for  instruction,  a  Physician  for 
health,  a  Sun  for  light,  and  a  Shield  for  protection. 

What  is  insured  to  us.  "  He  will  draw  nigh  to  you." 
This  promise  may  be  regarded  in 

Its  extent.  He  will  draw  nigh  to  supply  our  wants,  forgive 
our  sins,  impart  his  grace,  support  us  in  every  trying  scene, 
and  cheer  us  in  the  vale  of  death. 

Its  security.  All  this  is  insured  from  tbe  testimony  of  his 
word,  and  the  experience  of  every  believer.     Let  me  exclaim, 

"  If  thou,  my  Jesus,  still  be  nigh, 
Cheerful  1  live,  and  joyful  die : 
Secure  when  mortal  comforts  flee. 
To  find  ten  thousand  worlds  in  thee." 


82  man's  death. 

MARCH    18. 

MAN'S  DEATH. 

"  What  man  is  he  that  liveth,  and  shall  not  sec  death  ?"  —  Psalin  Ixxxix.  48. 

Solemn  words  indeed  —  but  how  slight  and  transient  is 
the  impression  they  produce  on  the  mind !  Let  us  now  con- 
"tem  plate 

Man's  death.  Four  things  may  be  noticed  with  respect 
to  death. 

It  is  solemn  in  its  nature.  Death  is  a  separation  between 
the  soul  and  body,  the  material  and  immaterial  part  of 
our  being.  It  terminates  the  period  of  our  pi'obation  here. 
It  is  a  sleep  from  which  the  believer  shall  awake  to  immortal 
glory  ;  the  Divine  promises  are  the  pillows  on  which  he  rests  ; 
and  the  voice  of  his  Redeemer  shall  arouse  him  from  his 
sweet  repose  at  the  last  day. 

It  is  certain  in  its  approach.  This  is  implied  in  the  pas- 
sage before  us ;  and  it  is  evident  from  the  appointment  of 
God,  and  from  the  principles  of  which  the  human  body  is 
composed,  which  are  perishing,  and  tend  to  decay.  We 
live  among  the  ruins  of  past  generations,  and  tread  upon  the 
graves  of  the  departed.  Beneath  our  feet  is  the  scattered 
dust  of  many  a  dissolved  tabernacle,  whose  inhabitant  has 
long  since  passed  into  eternity.  We  have  the  announcement 
of  death  in  the  Bible,  and  the  sentence  of  death  in  ourselves. 

It  is  universal  in  its  extent.  Death  passes  on  all  men  ;  be- 
cause the  contaminating  influence  of  sin  has  overspread  the 
human  family.  It  regards  neither  the  bloom  of  youth,  nor 
the  wrinkles  of  age  ;  the  rags  of  the  poor,  nor  the  I'obes  of 
the  rich. 

It  is  eternal  in  its  consequences.  Then  our  destinies  will 
be  irrevocably  fixed ;  and  death  will  conduct  us  either  to  the 
joys  of  the  blessed  in  heaven,  or  to  the  torments  of  the  lost 
in  hell.  Let  us  familiarize  ourselves  with  the  subject  of 
death.  This  will  slope  our  way  to  the  tomb,  and  by  dying 
daily,  we  shall  at  last  die  peacefully.  It  has  been  beautifully 
remarked,  that  meditation  on  death  will  give  a  grand  and  mel- 
low tint  to  our  habits  of  thinking  ;  as  a  great  ocean  exposed 
to  the  rising  sun  borrows  from  its  edge  to  the  farthest  bound 
of  waters,  a  celestial  glow  of  light. 


THE    SAFETY    OF    BELIEA'EUS.  83 

MARCH    19. 

THE  SAFETY  OF  BELIEVERS. 

"  My  Father,  which  gave  them  me,  is  greater  than  all ;  and  no  man  is  able  to  pluck 
Uicm  out  of  my  Father's  hand."  —  John  x.  29. 

Jesus  the  good  Shepherd  is  here  speaking  of  the  safety  of 
Ills  people,  who  are  the  sheep  of  his  pasture.     Note 

A  TLEASiNG  TKUTii  STATED.  The  gift  of  a  people  to 
Christ.  They  are  given  to  be  redeemed  by  his  power,  washed 
in  his  blood,  sanctitied  by  his  Spirit,  enriched  by  his  grace,  and 
conformed  to  his  image  —  given  to  him  as  his  reward,  his 
triumph,  and  his  joy  —  given  to  him  as  jewels  to  deck  his 
crown,  as  subjects  to  people  his  empire,  as  children  to  obey 
his  commands.  They  have  many  marks  belonging  to  them, 
by  which  they  are  distinguished  from  the  world. 

A  PAINFUL  FACT  iMi'LiED.  Attempts  are  made  to  deprive 
Christ  of  his  people.  Our  enemies  are  numerous  and  power- 
ful. There  is  a  deceitful  heart  within,  and  a  wicked  world 
without. 

"  How  oft  have  sin  and  Satan  strove 
To  rend  my  soul  I'rom  thee  my  God." 

Ax  ENCOURAGING  ASSURANCE  GIVEN.  "  No  man  IS  able 
to  pluck  them  out  of  my  Father's  hand."  Their  safety  is  in- 
sured from 

2'/ie  powe?'  of  God.  "  My  Father,  which  gave  them  me,  is 
greater  than  all ;"  greater  than  all  the  friends  or  enemies  of 
the  Church.  For  man  to  stx'ive  with  God,  is  weakness  it- 
self contending  with  Omnipotence.  The  hearts  of  all  men, 
as  well  as  the  elements  of  nature,  are  under  his  control. 

T/ie  love  of  God.  The  power  of  the  Almighty  proves  he 
can  defend  his  people,  and  his  love  assures  us  tliat  he  will. 

TJie  pvrjwse  of  God.  As  a  mighty  rock  in  the  midst  of 
the  ocean,  surrounded  by  the  tumultuous  waters  and  the 
foaming  billows,  remains  unmoved,  so  the  purposes  of  God 
are  fixed  and  unnlterable  ;  and  his  glorious  designs  shall  be 
fulfilled,  notwithstanding  the  rage  and  fury,  pride  and  passion, 
of  those  who  oppose  him.  Let  the  friends  of  the  Redeemer 
rejoice  in  their  safety,  and  live  near  to  God ;  but  let  his  ene- 
mies tremble,  and  turn  from  their  evil  wavs. 


84  PERSONAL    DEDICATION    TO    GOD. 

MARCH    20. 

PERSONAL  DEDICATION  TO  GOD. 

"  I  beseech  you  therefore,  brethren,  by  the  mercies  of  God,  that  ye  present  your 
bodies  a  Uving  sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto  God,  which  is  your  reasonable  service. " 
—  Rom.  xii.  1. 

Amidst  all  the  darkness  with  which  sin  has  overspread  our 
moral  atmosphere,  there  are  some  rays  of  light  darting  from 
above,  to  penetrate  the  glocm,  and  assure  us  that  our  restora- 
tion to  the  image,  favor,  and  friendship  of  Jehovah  may  be  ef- 
fected ;  and  thei'e  is  required  on  our  part  a  personal  dedica- 
tion to  that  Being  from  whom  vi^e  have  so  deeply  revolted. 
Three  things  may  be  observed  in  this  passage. 

The  duty  it  enjoins.  It  is  the  presentation  of  a  sacrifice 
to  God ;  not  an  expiatory  but  an  eucharistical  one  ;  not  an 
offering  of  atonement  for  sin,  but  of  acknowledgment  for  a 
Saviour. 

Its  nature.  "  Your  bodies."  But  why  is  not  the  soul  men- 
tioned ?  The  inferior  part  of  our  system  is  expressly  named, 
to  show  that  nothing  is  to  be  kept  back  from  God  ;  we  must 
surrender  the  meaner  as  well  as  the  nobler  part  of  our  nature  ; 
the  members  of  the  body  as  well  as  the  powers  of  the  mind  ; 
the  casket  as  well  as  the  jewel. 

Its  property.  "  A  living  sacrifice."  Not  the  dead  body  of 
a  formal  profession,  but  the  living  soul  of  spiritual  devotion. 
How  many  are  there,  who,  instead  of  presenting  to  God  the 
ardor  and  vigor  of  their  youth,  a  lively  offering,  give  him  their 
hoary  hairs,  grown  grey  in  Satan's  service,  and  thus  drag 
the  sacrifice  to  the  altar,  after  it  has  lost  its  animating  power  ! 

The  direction  it  affords.  It  must  be  voluntary  ;  "  that 
ye  present  your  bodies."  There  is  no  constraint,  but  the  love 
of  Christ ;  no  compulsion,  but  the  power  of  the  Spirit.  It 
must  be  "  holy."  Personal  holiness,  and  purity  of  motive  and 
design,  are  required  in  every  true  worshipper  of  God. 

The  motives  it  supplies.  There  is  the  gentleness  of 
Paul's  appeal.  "  I  beseech  you,  brethren."  The  mildness  of 
affection  will  do  that  which  the  rage  of  passion  never  can  ac- 
complish. The  human  heart  is  better  taken  in  a  calm  than 
in  a  storm.  "  The  mercies  of  God "  should  lead  us  to 
this  act  of  self-dedication.  Here  is  a  fine  field  for  our 
conteiTiplatioiv;  let  us  range  in  it,  admiring  the  loveliness 
and  variety  of  its  objects,  till  we  feel  ourselves  constrained  to 
erect  our  altar,  and  present  our  sacrifice.  Another  motive  is, 
that  such  an  offering  "  shall  be  acceptable  unto  God ;"  and  it 


man's  life.  85 

can  ■only  be  so  through  the  mediation  and  merit  of  our  great 
High  Priest.  Lastly,  we  are  urged  by  the  reasoiuilileness  of 
rehgion.  The  words  translated  "  reasonable  service,"  may  be 
rendered,  "  logical  worship  :"  it  is  so,  as  it  agrees  with  all  the 
princii)les  of  sound  reason,  as  well  as  the  precepts  of  sacred 
revelation. 


MARCU   21. 

MAN'S  LIFE. 

"  What  man  is  he  that  liveth,  and  shall  not  see  death  ?"  —  PMhn  lx::xix.  43. 

We  have  much  to  lead  us  to  a  consideration  of  our  latter 
end.  Time,  in  its  measured  portions,  is  continually  wearing 
away ;  there  is  an  annual  death  in  natui-e  ;  day  after  day 
sinks  into  the  grave  of  night,  and  a  solemn  voice  re-eclioes 
from  the  hollow  sepulchre,  "  What  man  is  he  that  liveth,  and 
shall  not  see  death  ?"     Let  us  contemplate 

Man's  life.     It  may  be  regarded  in  many  points  of  view. 

Its  sorrotvs.  The  time  of  our  life  is  like  the  ocean  in  a 
storm,  where  one  wave  rolls  incessantly  upon  another.  AVhat 
trying  scenes!  what  painful  anxieties!  "Man  is  born  to 
trouble  as  the  sparks  fiy  upward." 

Its  uncertainty.  Dangers  surround,  us  both  seen  and  un- 
seen :  death  lurks  in  secret  ambush,  and  often  rushes  on  his 
])rey  without  a  moment's  warning.  All  around  us  ministers 
lo  our  destruction:  the  air  Ave  breathe  is  big  with  death  — 
the  medicine  that  pui'ifies,  exhausts — the  labors  in  whicli  we 
engage,  enfeeble  us  —  and  we  are  hastening  to  the  house  ap- 
pointed for  all  living. 

Its  shortness.  We  have  noticed  the  shadow  swiftly  passing 
along  the  ground  in  a  cloudy  day,  suddenly  darkening  the 
])laces  irradiated  before  by  the  beams  of  the  sun,  but  as  ([uick- 
ly  disappearing.  Such  is  the  life  of  man ;  for  he  fleeth  as  a 
shadow,  and  continueth  not. 

Its  value.  Who  can  estimate  it  aright  ?  How  sublime  are 
the  purposes  for  which  it  is  given  !  It  is  the  day  of  salvation  ; 
it  is  the  golden  season  when  grace  may  be  obtained  ;  it  is  the 
period  when  the  ship  of  the  Gospel  lies  in  our  harbor,  bound 
for  Immanuel's  land,  Avaiting  to  take  us  in  as  passengers  to 
that  port  of  peace.  Its  allotted  portions  can  never  be  re- 
measured  ;  no  rhetoric  can  recall  time  past ;  no  price  can 
redeem  it.  Improve  it,  therefore,  by  applying  your  heart 
unto  wisdom. 

8 


86  HYPOCRISY   AND    PENITENCE. 

MAECH    22. 

HYPOCRISY  AND  PENITENCE. 

"  He  that  covereth  his  sins  shall  not  prosper  ;  but  whoso  confesseth  and  forsaketh 
them  shall  have  mercy."  —  Prov.  xxriii.  13. 

This  passage  bears  two  aspects ;  terror  to  tlie  wicked,  and 
joy  to  the  righteous.  It  is  like  the  pillar  of  cloud  and  fire, 
with  the  dark  side  towards  the  Egyptians,  but  the  bright  side 
towards  the  Israelites.     Note 

The   contrasted  characters.     Let  us  look  at  each. 

The  hypocrite.  "  He  that  covereth  his  sins."  Some  com- 
mit evil  openly,  others  secretly  ;  but  none  can  escape  the  scru- 
tinizing eye  of  Omniscience.  In  how  many  w^ays  do  men 
cover  their  sins  ;  by  palliation,  or  denial,  and  sometimes  with 
the  cloak  of  religion  and  friendship  ! 

The  penitent.  Two  things  are  stated  of  him  ;  he  confesses 
and  forsakes  his  sins  :  the  one  more  particularly  regards  the 
heart,  the  other  the  life ;  the  one  includes  genuine  repent- 
ance, the  other  practical  reformation.  If  a  new  principle  has 
been  implanted,  old  things  must  pass  away,  old  lusts  be  mor- 
tified, old  pursuits  abandoned,  and  old  companions  discarded. 

The  different  circumstances.  What  is  said  of  these 
two  characters  ?     Observe 

The  misery  of  the  one.  "  He  shall  not  prosper."  But  do 
we  not  often  see  the  wicked  rolling  in  wealth  and  aflhience  ; 
extending  their  connections,  credit,  and  influence  in  the  world, 
and  increasing  in  their  temporal  comforts  ?  Yes,  but  all  this 
may  be  the  case  when  misery  and  wretchedness  possess  the 
heart,  and  there  is  no  favor  from  God,  no  peace  of  conscience, 
and  no  hope  for  eternity. 

The  happiness  of  the  other.  "  He  shall  have  mercy."  This 
is  what  we  want :  our  state  is  one  of  misery,  and  requires  the 
exercise  of  mercy ;  mercy  to  pardon  our  sins,  renew  our  minds, 
cleanse  our  hearts,  and  enrich  us  with  grace  here,  and  glory 
hereafter. 

"  Let  deep  repentance,  faith,  and  love, 
Be  joined  with  godly  fear, 
And  all  our  conversation  prove 
Our  hearts  to  be  sincere." 


Christ's  grace  sufficient.  87 

MARCH   23. 
CHRIST'S   GRACE   SUFFICIENT. 

"  And  he  said  unto  nic,  My  grace  is  sufiScient  for  thee  ;  for  my  strength  is  mode  per- 
fect in  weakness." — 2  Cor.  xii.  9. 

Paul  had  this  assurance  from  Grod  for  his  comfort  under 
trials,  and  every  believer  has  the  same.     Note 

The  Christian's  weakness.  This  fact  is  assumed  in 
the  passage  before  us.  We  need  not  bring  forward  argu- 
ments to  prove  it ;  for  we  have  evidences  of  it  in  our  every 
day's  experience.  Our  weakness  is  seen  in  the  discharge  of 
duties,  and  the  endurance  of  trials  ;  it  is  implied  in  the  prom- 
ises of  Scri])ture,  for  while  they  reveal  our  privileges,  they 
remind  us  of  our  weakness  and  imperfections ;  and  it  is  ac- 
knowledged before  God  in  our  prayers. 

The  Saviour's  strength.  "  My  strength  is  made  per- 
fect in  weakness  ; "  that  is,  in  thy  weakness  my  power  is  more 
evident.  This  is  the  case  in  those  things  in  which  there  ap- 
pears no  resemblance  between  the  agency  and  the  instrumen- 
tality —  such  as  the  dividing  of  the  watei's  of  the  Red  Sea,  by 
the  stretching  forth  of  the  hand  of  Moses ;  and  the  falling  of 
the  walls  oi"  Jericho,  by  the  blowing  of  the  rams'  horns.  The 
grace  of  Christ  is  sutlicient  for  all  things  —  for  our  work  and 
warfare,  our  duties  and  dangers. 

To  justify  0U7-  persons.  There  is  no  guilt  he  cannot  exjii- 
ate  ;  no  corruption  he  cannot  subdue  ;  no  crime,  however  atro- 
cious, that  he  cannot  pardon. 

To  sanctifi)  our  natures.  While  his  grace  pardons  sin,  it 
purifies  the  sinner,  and  extends  its  cleansing  influences  over 
all  the  powers  and  passions  of  the  mind. 

To  aid  us  in  duty.  Our  religious  performances  will  be 
dead  and  dull,  without  the  life-giving  power  of  his  grace  ;  but 
with  it  we  shall  be  enabled  cheerfully  to  fulfil  the  duties  that 
devolve  on  us,  however  arduous  and  difficult. 

7c>  support  us  in  trials.  In  Christ  there  is  an  ocean  of 
grace,  from  which  the  streams  of  consolation  abundantly  flow 
into  the  believer's  heart ;  so  that,  while  his  comforts  are  sweet- 
ened, his  sorrows  are  soothed,  and  his  happy  spirit  aspires  to 
that  blissful  land  where  the  bitter  waters  of  aflliction  shall 
never  mingle  with  the  pure  and  perennial  springs  of  the  river 
of  life.  Let  me  pray  lor  a  deeper  sense  of  my  own  weak- 
ness, and  a  firmer  reliance  on  Christ's  strength. 


88  TUE    INSUFFICIENCY    OF    EXTERNAL    RITES. 

MARCH    24. 

THE  INSUFFICIENCY  OF  EXTERNAL  RITES. 

"  For  in  Christ  Jesus  neither  circumcision  availeth  any  thing,  nor  uneircumcision, 
but  a  new  creature." —  Gal.  vi.  15. 

Paul,  in  his  letter  to  the  Galatians,  warns  them  against  a 
reliance  on  superficial  notions  and  creeds.  In  the  passage 
before  us,  note 

Every  Christian  is  a  neav  creature.  This  is  a  doc- 
trine of  paramount  importance,  as  it  involves  the  first  princi- 
ples, and  is  associated  with  our  last  supports  in  religion.  In 
what  respects  is  he  a  new  creature  ?  Morally,  not  physically. 
New  faculties  are  not  given  to  the  soul,  but  those  faculties 
have  new  qualities.  Contemplate  this  new  creation  in  three 
ways. 

Its  extent.  It  affects  all  the  powers  of  the  mind  —  the  un- 
derstanding is  enlightened,  the  judgment  is  rectified,  the  will 
subdued,  the  affections  purified,  the  conscience  changed ;  and 
this  is  discovered  in  its  tenderness,  its  composure,  its  admoni- 
tions to  duty,  and  its  reproofs  for  sin. 

Its  source.  None  can  renew  the  soul,  but  that  Divine  Be- 
ing who  at  first  created  the  world.  The  Divine  image  being 
defaced  from  the  soul  of  man,  the  finger  of  God  alone  can  re- 
trace the  glorious  lineaments  ;  and  this  he  does  by  the  enlight- 
ening and  transforniing  power  of  his  Holy  Spirit. 

Its  manner.  There  is  much  mystery  in  the  mode  of  the 
Spirit's  operations  on  the  heart.  It  is  compared  to  the  falling 
of  the  dew,  and  the  blowing  of  the  wind  ;  the  effects  of  which 
we  see,  and  the  causes  of  which  we  know,  but  cannot  under- 
stand their  precise  manner.  With  regard  to  the  new  birth, 
the  change  is  instantaneous,  though  the  development  is  grad- 
ual. Look  to  the  fields,  "  first  the  blade,  then  the  ear,  then 
the  full  corn  in  the  ear." 

Nothing  short  of  this  new  creation  will  avail. 
The  meaning  of  the  verse  is  simply  tliis :  In  the  Gospel  dis- 
pensation, neither  the  circumcision  of  the  Jew,  nor  the  uneir- 
cumcision of  the  Gentile,  will  avail  any  thing  towards  our 
acceptance  with  God,  but  a  new  creature,  a  mighty  change 
produced  in  the  heart.  All  outward  forms  in  religion  will 
prove  utterly  unavailing,  if  there  is  the  absence  of  genuine 
godliness  and  unfeigned  piety.  The  water  may  be  sprinkled 
on  the  face  in  baptism,  the  name  of  Christ  may  be  in  the  mouth 


THE    GREATNESS    OF    DIVINE    GOODNESS.  89 

by  religious  profession,  the  breatl  and  wine  in  the  lips  at  the 
Lord's  supper,  while  Christ  is  not  formed  in  the  heart.  L^t 
the  subject  lead  us  to  self-examination  and  serious  reflection. 


MARCH    25. 

THE    GREATNESS   OF   DIVINE   GOODNESS. 

"  Uow  great  is  his  goodness  1  " — Zcch.  ix.  17. 

There  is  a  greatness  and  gi-andeur  in  all  the  perfections 
of  God ;  but  his  goodness  makes  his  whole  character  amiable 
and  lovely.     Let  us  notice 

The  scenes  of  god's  goodness.  When  do  we  behold 
it? 

When  we  gaze  on  the  cross.  The  Almighty  furnished  many 
evidences  of  it  in  the  remarkable  interpositions  of  his  provi- 
dence with  regard  to  the  Israelites  ;  but  these  are  not  to  be 
compared  with  the  wonderful  display  of  that  goodness  in  the 
Gospel.  Here,  in  the  cross,  his  majesty  is  overpowered  by 
his  mercy,  and  his  grandeur  is  softened  down  by  his  goodness. 

When  ive  look  into  our  hearts.  Believers,  when  they  draw 
tlie  contrast  between  their  past  and  present  condition  ;  when 
they  think  of  the  new  heart  God  has  given  them,  and  the 
lioly  desires  he  has  planted  within  them,  have  reason  to  ex- 
claim, ''  How  great  is  his  goodness  !  " 

When  we  come  to  the  temple.  Here  his  goodness  is  made 
known,  and  his  mercy  is  displayed.  It  is  seen  in  the  provis- 
ions of  the  Gospel,  so  suitable  in  their  nature,  and  so  abundant 
in  their  quantity. 

When  we  think  of  heaven.  What  happiness  is  in  reserve 
for  God's  children  above,  after  they  have  done  and  suflTered 
his  will  below  !  Look  beyond  the  scenes  and  circumstances, 
sufterings  and  sorrows  of  time,  to  the  joys  and  triumphs  of 
eternity  —  and  when  you  think  of  the  flowing  river,  the  shin- 
ing pavement,  the  golden  harj)s,  and  the  never-fading  crowns, 
can  you  forbear  exclaiming,  "  How  great  is  his  goodness  !  " 

The  feelings  avith  "which  it  should  be  conteji- 
PLATED.  It  should  be  with  wonder  and  astonishment,  joy  and 
triumph,  love  and  ardor,  gratitude  and  praise.  The  unbeliever, 
as  well  as  the  Christian,  may  adopt  the  language,  "  How  great 
is  his  goodness  !"  in  sparing  the  lives  of  those  who  are  rebel- 
ling against  him,  and  treating  his  ordinances  with  contempt. 


90  THE   believer's    UNION    TO    CHRIST. 

MARCH    26. 

THE   BELIEVER'S   UNION  TO   CHRIST. 

"  For  ye  are  all  one  in  Christ  Jesus."  —  Gal.  iii.  28. 

Christianity  is  a  system  of  peace ;  it  is  designed  to  effect 
peace  between  God  and  man,  and  teaclies  us  to  be  at  peace 
among  ourselves.     Let  us  observe  in  this  passage 

The  union  of  each  believer  to  Christ.  A  state  of 
grace  is  often  described  as  being  "  in  Christ." 

It  is  a  spiritual  union.  All  the  professors  of  religion  are 
nominally  united  to  Christ,  but  there  may  be  a  visible  connec- 
tion without  a  vital  union.  To  be  in  Christ  is  to  have  the  heart 
changed,  to  be  interested  in  him,  to  love  him,  trust  in  him,  de- 
light in  him,  and  find  our  all  in  him.  This  union  is  effected 
by  the  Spirit ;  connected  with  spiritual  objects,  feelings,  de- 
sires, and  enjoyments. 

It  is  a  close  union.  It  is  compared  to  the  vine  and 
the  branches,  the  head  and  the  members,  and  the  found- 
ation-stone and  the  building.  It  is  to  be  "  partakers  of 
the  Divine  nature  ;  "  to  put  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  grow 
up  into  him,  to  imbibe  his  Spirit,  and  hold  the  most  intimate 
communion  with  him. 

/;;  is  an  eternal  union.  Death  dissolves  all  human  ties, 
however  tender  and  endearing,  and  parts  the  nearest  friends  ; 
but  he  has  no  power  over  this  union.  The  body  and  soul  must 
jiart ;  but  Christ  and  the  believer  shall  never  be  separated. 

The  unity  of  all  believers  in  Christ.  Note  :  thougli 
there  are  shades  of  difference  in  their  views  of  Divine  truth, 
they  are  all  agreed  in  the  grand  essentials.  Christ  is  the 
great  object  of  attraction  —  the  centre  where  they  all  meet  — 
the  circle  around  which  all  their  desires  revolve  —  the  sea  of 
love,  under  whose  shining  waves  they  delight  to  plunge. 
Christians,  in  what  respects  are  we  all  one  ? 

One  Lord  is  above  us.  We  acknowledge  none  but  Christ 
as  our  Head ;  and  to  him  we  bow,  in  his  service  we  engage, 
and  to  his  tribunal  we  are  amenable. 

One  rigJiteousness  is  upon  us.  As  a  robe,  not  only  to  cgver 
and  defend,  but  to  adorn  and  beautify  us.  We  rely  on  the 
same  atonement,  build  on  the  same  foundation,  plead  the  same 
merits,  and  receive  of  the  same  fulness. 

One  Spirit  is  within  us.  Into  this  Spirit  we  drink.  The 
Holy  Ghost  dwells  in  the  hearts  of  all  God's  people,  as  in  a 


THE    PUIVILEGE    ACKNOWLEDGED.  91 

temple.     There  is  in  them  a  oneness  of  principle,  desire,  mo- 
tive, pursuit,  and  end. 

One  home  is  before  us.  Believers  are  as  so  many  members 
of  one  family;  millions  have  reached  their  Father's  house, 
and  multitudes  are  now  on  their  way  thither.  How  desirable 
is  it  that  they  should  cultivate  feelings  of  love  and  harmony, 
"  endeavoring  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of 
peace ! " 

MARCH   27. 

THE  PRIVILEGE  ACKNOWLEDGED.  -      ^  / 

"  For  wc  cannot  but  speak  the  things  which  we  have  seen  and  heard."  —  Acts  iv.  20. 

Tuis  is  the  language  of  Peter  and  John,  when  examined 
before  the  Jewish  sanhedrim,  and  commanded  not  to  speak  at 
all  nor  teach  in  the  name  of  Jesus.     Note, 

The  things  to  which  they  refer.  They  are  of  two 
classes  — 

What  they  had  seen.  They  had  witnessed  God  manifested 
in  the  flesh ;  they  had  seen  him  perform  the  most  astonishing 
miracles,  by  which  he  clearly  pi'oved  his  Godhead  ;  -walking 
on  the  mighty  ocean,  stilling  the  tempest,  having  the  elements 
of  nature  under  his  control,  pouring  the  beams  of  light  into 
the  eye-lids  of  the  blind,  giving  strength  to  the  weak,  awaking 
the  dead  from  the  slumbers  of  the  tomb.  They  had  seen  the 
zeal  and  activity  he  displayed  in  his  Father's  work,  his  pa- 
tience under  the  most  trying  provocations,  the  cruelty  inflicted 
on  him  by  his  enemies  ;  they  had  witnessed  his  agonies  in  the 
garden,  and  his  sufferings  on  the  ci'oss ;  his  triumph  over 
death  and  his  glorious  ascension,  when  he  led  them  out  as  far 
as  to  Bethany,  and  was  parted  from  them  while  he  blessed 
them. 

What  they  had  heard.  They  had  listened  to  the  sweet  ac- 
cents of  mercy,  gently  flowing  from  his  lips ;  his  doctrine 
dropping  as  the  rain,  and  his  speech  distilling  as  the  dew  ;  the 
testimony  of  the  Father,  who  declared  himself  well  pleased ; 
liis  own  sorrowful  words  when  agonized  in  his  soul ;  his  part- 
ing benediction  and  solemn  charge  to  preach  the  Gospel,  — 
and  could  they  be  silent  ?  They  were  greatly  privileged  in 
being  his  friends  and  companions.  We  cannot  thus  know  him 
after  the  flesh,  or  enjoy  his  bodily  presence ;  but  we  may  ob- 
tain a  spiritual  knowledge  of  him,  and  realize  the  tokens  of 
bis  grace. 


92  SPIRITUAL    FREEDOM. 

MARCH    28. 

SPIRITUAL  FREEDOM. 

"  If  the  Son  therefore  shall  make  you  free,  ye  shall  be  free  indeed."  —  John  riii.  36. 

How  much  does  religion  effect  on  our  behalf !  It  finds  us 
in  darkness,  and  gives  us  light.  It  sees  us  in  poverty,  and 
confers  on  us  riches.  It  views  us  as  slaves,  and  pronounces 
us  free.  Observe  here  the  nature  and  excellency  of  that 
freedom  which  the  Saviour  effects. 

Its  nature.  The  promise  of  freedom  supposes  the  exist- 
ence of  slavery.  The  Jews  denied  that  they  were  in  bond- 
age; how  false  the  assertion!  Read  their  history,  and  you 
will  find  that  they  were  in  bondage  to  the  Egyptians,  and  sev- 
eral of  the  neighboring  nations.  The  sinner  is  in  a  state  of 
captivity,  but  does  not  like  to  acknowledge  it.  Christ  makes 
us  free 

From  the  bondage  of  condemnation.  Sin  binds  its  victim 
over  to  punishment :  and  he  is  as  a  condemned  criminal,  held 
by  the  strong  arm  of  the  law.  This  is  the  case,  till  Christ, 
as  our  Surety,  releases  us. 

From  the  bondage  of  corruption.  G-race  first  establishes 
purity  of  principle,  and  then  holiness  of  life  and  conduct  fol- 
low as  the  certain  result.  Thus  while  the  Saviour  changes 
our  state,  he  transforms  our  nature. 

Its  excellency.  Let  us  advert  to  some  properties  be- 
longing to  it. 

It  is  real.  "  Ye  shall  be  free  indeed."  The  philosopher 
carries  us  through  mazes  of  uncertainty  ;  the  statesman  forms 
plans  and  projects  that  never  take  place,  the  speculating  ad- 
venturer dreams  of  success  in  the  midst  of  disappointments, 
and  builds  many  a  castle  in  the  air.  But  it  is  not  so  here,  all 
is  reality. 

It  is  spiritual.  It  is  the  redemption  of  the  soul,  the  re- 
newal of  the  mind,  and  the  spirit  of  life.  Men  in  all  ages 
have  endeavored  to  secularize  religion  ;  but  it  should  ever  be 
remembered  that  its  origin,  nature,  principle,  and  tendency 
are  all  spiritual. 

It  is  glorious.  Thus  we  read  of  "  the  glorious  liberty  of 
the  children  of  God."  A  glorious  conquest  is  achieved  over 
the  tyrants  who  held  you  in  subjection  ;  a  glorious  change  is 
produced  in  your  condition,  and  a  glorious  crown  awaits  you 
in  heaven. 

It  is  permanent.     The  united  ibrcc  of  earth  and  hell,  men 


G01>'S    HIDDEN    ONES.  93 

and  devils,  cannot  make  those  slaves  wliom  Jesus  has  made 
free.     Are  we  the  subjects  of  this  happy  state  ? 


MAKcn  29. 
GOD'S    HIDDEN  ONES. 

"  Thy  hidden  ones." — Psahn  Ixxxiii.  3. 

Many  titles  are  given  to  the  people  of  God.  They  are  his 
peculiar  treasure,  his  portion,  his  lot,  and  his  inheritance  — 
a  chosen  generation,  a  royal  priesthood,  a  holy  nation,  a  pecu- 
liar people,  the  excellent  of  the  earth,  and  the  lights  of  the 
world.  Hei'e  they  are  designated  his  "  hidden  ones."  Let 
us  look  at 

Theiu  peculiak  character.  The  term  "  hidden  "  may 
be  understood  in  two  senses. 

As  it  regards  their  concealment.  They  are  hidden  from  the 
world  in  several  respects.  In  their  origin,  for  they  are  born 
from  above —  in  their  principles,  for  they  act  not  according  to 
the  course  of  the  world  —  in  their  sorrows,  for  there  is  a  silent 
warfare  going  on  within,  two  antagonists  contending  for  the 
mastery  of  the  soul  —  in  their  joys,  for  a  stranger  to  divine 
thmgs  intermeddleth  not  therewith — in  their  food,  for  they 
have  hidden  manna,  and  meat  to  eat  which  the  world  knows 
not  of — in  their  prospects,  for  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what 
they  shall  be  —  "  Our  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God."  They 
are  hidden 

With  respect  to  their  security.  So  the  word  is  used  in  the 
parable  of  the  man  who  hid  the  treasure  in  the  field.  Where 
are  believers  hidden  ?  In  the  purposes  of  God  —  in  his  heart 
—  in  his  covenant  —  in  his  promises  —  in  his  hand.  He 
hides  them  in  the  time  of  temptation  —  in  the  season  of  afllic- 
tion  —  in  the  tempests  of  life,  and  in  the  swellings  of  Jordan. 
Let  us  view  them  in 

Their  Divine  Owner.  " 77/y  hidden  ones."  They  are 
not  their  own :  they  are  the  Lord's,  in  common  with  the  rest 
of  mankind,  by  his  creating  power  and  preserving  care  —  but 
peculiarly  as  they  are  chosen  in  his  councils,  called  by  his 
grace,  sanctified  by  his  Spirit,  devoted  to  his  glory,  and  bound 
for  his  kingdom.  He  acknowledges  them  as  his  own  in  vari- 
ous ways  in  this  world,  and  "  they  shall  be  mine,  saith  the 
Lord,  in  that  day  when  I  make  up  my  jewels."  Though  hid- 
den now,  they  shall  not  be  so  always ;  for  there  shall  be  a 
"  manifestation  of  the  sons  of  God." 


94  SETTING    TUE    LORD    ALWAYS    BEFORE    US. 

MARCH    30. 

SETTING  THE   LORD  ALAYAYS   BEFORE   US. 

"  I  have  set  the  Lord  alwaj'S  before  me :  because  he  is  at  my  right  hand.  I  shall  not  be 
moved." — Psalm  svi.  8. 

These  words  have  a  threefold  reference,  and  may  be  view- 
ed as  applying  literally  to  David,  typically  to  Christ,  and  spi- 
ritually to  the  believer.  We  shall  consider  them  in  the  latter 
sense.     Note 

The  COURSE  adopted.  Setting  the  Lord  before  us  im- 
plies 

Becognition.  As  if  he  had  said,  I  will  cherish  an  abiding 
sense  of  the  divine  presence.  It  is  well  when  the  mind  is  duly 
affected  with  this ;  we  cannot  indulge  in  levity ;  the  tone  of 
our  feelings  will  be  I'aised,  and  we  shall  be  constrained  to  seri- 
ousness. 

Admiration.  The  sinner  sets  God  behind  him,  and  the 
world  before  him  ;  but  it  is  just  the  reverse  with  the  believer  ; 
God  is  the  supreme  object  of  his  regard,  and  every  thing  else 
is  of  secondary  consideration. 

Imitation.  We  are  to  set  the  Lord  before  us,  as  the  schol- 
ar does  the  copy  for  his  direction.  Though  there  is  much  in 
the  Divine  character  that  is  inimitable,  yet  there  are  many 
things  in  his  natural  perfections  in  which  we  may  be  follow- 
ers of  him. 

Duration.  This  is  to  be  done  "  always."  In  retirement, 
by  sjiiritual  meditation ;  in  the  social  circle,  by  religious  con- 
versation ;  in  relative  duties,  devotional  engagements,  com- 
mercial transactions,  and  in  all  that  concerns  us.  We  are  to 
set  his  will  before  us  as  the  rule  of  our  faith  and  practice,  his 
perfections  for  our  imitation,  his  promises  for  our  encourage- 
ment, his  sufficiency  for  our  support,  and  his  glory  for  our 
end. 

The  confidence  expressed.     This  may  be  noticed  in 

Its  nature.  "  I  shall  not  be  moved."  His  faith  should  not 
be  destroyed,  though  it  might  be  shaken.  He  should  remain 
firm  amidst  the  storms  and  tempests  that  gather  around  him. 
In  the  same  sense  Paul  said,  "  None  of  these  things  move  me." 

Its  ground.  "  Because  he  is  at  my  right  hand  ;  "  near  to 
strengthen  and  support  me,  to  enliven  my  hopes,  and  dispel 
my  fears. 


DELIVERANCE    FROM    TEMPTATION.  95 

BIARCn    31. 

DELIVERANCE   FROM  TEMPTATION. 

"  The  Lord  knowoth  how  to  deliver  the  godly  out  of  temptation." — 2  Peter  ii.  9. 

Peter  had  his  trials  and  afflictions ;  he  had  much  to  en- 
dure from  the  united  hostihty  of  spiritual  enemies  against  the 
empire  of  grace  in  his  heart:  he  was,  therefore,  well  able  to 
speak  on  this  subject.  In  this  passage  we  are  led  to  view 
Christians  in  three  ways:  — 

TnEiR  PECULIAR  CHARACTER.  "The  godly."  They  are 
so  called, 

Because  they  are  horn  of  God.  They  are  the  subjects  of  a 
new  creation  ;  they  have  new  piinciples,  new  desires,  and  new 
affections  implanted  in  them  ;  and  the  saving  change  they 
have  experienced  has  been  effected  by  God. 

Because  they  are  made  like  God.  When  this  new  birth 
takes  place,  they  are  made  partakers  of  the  Divine  natui'e,  and 
conformed  to  the  Divine  image.  They  i*esemble  God,  not 
only  as  a  picture  does  the  original,  in  the  external  lineaments, 
but  as  a  child  does  the  fixther ;  being  of  the  same  nature,  and, 
as  it  were,  one  body  with  him. 

Because  they  live  to  God.  This  naturally  follows,  for  to 
this  end  were  they  born  again.  Where  the  image  of  Christ 
is  impressed  on  the  soul,  the  example  of  Christ  will  be  copied 
in  the  life. 

Their  varied  trials.  The  apostle  here  alludes  to  the 
temptations  of  the  godly;  and  from  how  many  sources  do  they 
spring  !  Our  treacherous  hearts  deceive  us  ;  Satan  suggests 
a  thousand  things  to  perplex  the  mind ;  there  are  outward 
objects ;  these  often  flatter  and  fascinate ;  there  are  strong 
temptations  to  lose  sight  of  the  high  distinctions  and  obliga- 
tions of  the  Christian  character,  and  imbibe  a  worldly  spirit. 
By  all  these  God  is  trying  his  people. 

Their  Divine  supports.  "The  Lord  knoweth  how  to 
deliver  the  godly  out  of  temptations."  Can  he  know  their 
trials  without  relieving  them  ?  Their  final  deliverance  may 
be  argued  from  his  knowledge,  his  word  of  promise,  his  love, 
his  purposes,  his  honor,  and  his  grace.  All  this  is  very  con- 
solatory to  the  Christian  ;  but  how  terrific  is  the  latter  clause 
of  the  verse :  —  "  The  Lord  knoweth  how  to  reserve  the  un- 
just unto  the  day  of  judgment  to  be  punished."  The  one  is 
like  the  serene  and  azure  sky  that  bespeaks  fair  weather ;  the 
other  resembles  the  thunder-cloud  that  precedes  the  desolat- 
iner  storm. 


96  CHRISTIAN    MEDITATION. 

AFRIL    1. 

CHRISTIAN  MEDITATION. 

"  We  thought  of  thy  loying-kindness,  0  Goil !  in  the  midst  of  thy  temple  " 
Psalm  xlyiii.  9. 

These  are  the  words  of  David,  and  they  accord  with  the 
sentiments  and  feelings  of  every  true  Christian.  In  them 
observe 

A  SACRED  EXERCISE.     Namely,  Christian  meditation. 

It  is  an  important  duty.  It  is  requisite  for  the  formation 
of  your  Christian  character,  and  your  improvement  in  spiritual 
things.  Reading,  hearing,  and  the  other  exercises  of  religion, 
will  be  lost  without  holy  meditation. 

It  is  connected  with  dijfficidty.  What !  is  it  hard  to  think  ? 
Yes  ;  there  must  be  mental  discipline.  The  powers  of  the 
mind  must  be  brought  to  bear  on  holy  objects.  It  is  not  a 
mere  glance,  a  passing  thought,  or  a  hasty  view,  but  a  calm, 
steady,  and  deliberate  contemplation. 

It  is  associated  ivith pleasure.  Isaac  felt  it  when  he  left  the 
scenes  of  domestic  intercourse,  and  went  out  into  the  field  to 
meditate.  David,  amidst  the  splendors  of  royalty,  could  say, 
"  My  meditation  of  him  shall  be  sweet ;  while  I  was  musing, 
the  fire  burned." 

It  is  attended  with  projit.  By  sacred  meditation  we  ascend 
a  high  mountain,  from  whence  we  view  the  surrounding  land- 
scape ;  the  higlier  we  rise,  the  more  do  heavenly  objects  in- 
crease in  magnitude,  while  the  world  and  earthly  scenes  dimin- 
ish in  our  view.     But  we  have  here 

A  D.ELIGHTFUL  SUBJECT.     The  loving-kindncss  of  God, 

How  vast  I  It  includes  more  than  the  mind  of  man  can 
grasp.  Where  is  it  to  be  seen  ?  In  creation,  providence,  and 
redemption.  Refer  to  your  own  personal  history  ;  in  how 
many  instances  do  you  see  the  loving-kindness  of  God  dis- 
played ? 

IIoiv  interesting  !  We  have  thought  —  on  what  ?  On  thy 
justice  and  vengeance  ?  On  the  punishment  inflicted  on  thine 
enemies  ?  No  :  on  something  more  encouraging  and  delight- 
ful to  the  mind  —  the  exhibitions  of  Almighty  love. 

How  elevating  I  Some  things  degrade  the  mind,  but  this 
ennobles  it.  In  meditating  on  this  subject,  where  are  you  ? 
Walking  with  God ;  your  communion  is  with  the  Father,  and 
you  conversation  is  in  heaven. 

A  FAVORABLE  SPOT.  "  In  the  midst  of  thy  temple." 
There  is 


THE    RANSOM    OF    CHRIST.  97 

The  cessation  of  occupations  that  ivould  tend  to  j)f event  it. 
The  objects  of  the  world  are  hinderaiices  to  this  sacred  exer- 
cise, but  there  they  are  withdrawn  :  a  solemn  silence  pervades 
the  assembly,  that  bespeaks  holy  engagements. 

The  celehration  of  ordinances  that  are  calcidated  to  promote 
it.  There  is  the  Bible,  which  is  a  light  shining  in  a  dark 
place ;  there  is  the  herald  of  the  cross  to  unfold  its  truths ; 
there  are  prayers  and  praises  ascending  to  the  tlirone  above. 
Oh !  who  feels  properly  impressed  under  a  sense  of  the  Divine 
presence? 

APKIL    2. 

THE   RANSOM  OF   CHEIST. 

"  Thou  wast  slain."  —  Rev.  t.  9. 

John  was  highly  favored  of  God  :  he  had  a  vision  of  the 
glories  of  the  heavenly  world.  The  revelation  God  gave  to 
liim  he  has  given  to  us.  He  was  in  the  spirit,  a  door  was 
opened  in  heaven  ;  he  beheld  a  throne  of  great  magnificence  ; 
around  it  were  foni*-and-twenty  seats,  and  upon  the  seats  four- 
and-twenty  elders  clothed  in  white  raiment,  and  crowned  with 
diadems  of  gold  ;  in  the  midst  of  it  was  a  Lamb,  as  it  had  been 
slain  ;  he  heard  the  song  that  was  celebrated  ;  part  of  which 
we  have  before  us.     Here  is 

A  SACRIFICE  OFFERED.    "  Thou  wast  slaiu."   Contemplate 

The  dignified  Victim.  "  Thou."  Creation  has  a  voice, 
and  speaks  his  glory.  We  see  him  in  the  splendors  of  the 
orbs  of  light  above  us  ;  but  when  we  look  on  him  as  shining  in 
the  firmament  of  the  Father's  love,  we  behold  him  in  his  high- 
est glory,  —  essential  Godhead  and  real  manhood  united.  We 
might  compare  him  to  a  thousand  things  in  nature;  he  is  the 
Hose  of  Sharon,  and  the  Lily  of  the  valley,  the  Plant  of  re- 
nown, the  bright  and  morning  Star,  the  Sun  of  righteousness, 
and  tlie  Light  of  the  world. 

The  mode  of  oblation.  "  Thou  wast  slain."  Here  is  an 
evident  reference  to  the  Jewish  sacrifices,  which  typified  the 
atonement  of  Christ ;  the  priests  under  the  law  were  as  so 
many  twinkling  stai's  that  disappeared  at  the  bright  shining  of 
the  Sun  of  righteousness.  As  he  increased,  they  decreased. 
He  was  slain  by  the  appointment  of  the  Father,  through  the 
instrumentality  of  his  enemies,  and  with  his  own  consent.  Let 
it  be  our  desire  to  be  found  interested  in  him,  that  we  may 
unite  in  the  songs  of  the  redeemed  below,  and  in  their  an- 
thems above. 

9 


&8  Peter's  visit  to  Cornelius. 

APRIL   3. 

PETER'S   VISIT  TO   CORNELIUS. 

"  Now  therefore  are  we  all  here  present  before  God,  to  hear  all  things  that  are  com- 
niauded  thee  of  God."  —  Acts  x.  33. 

Such  was  the  language  of  Cornelius,  the  centurion,  to  Peter. 
Here  we  have  an  account  of  the  first  Gentile  congregation. 

Their  numerous  attendance.  Every  thing  deserves 
our  notice  here. 

The  place  lohere  they  met.  It  was  in  the  house  of  a  soldier. 
How  delightful  to  see  those  who  are  enlisted  in  the  military 
service  of  their  country,  fighting  under  the  banners  of  the 
cross,  and  bowing  to  the  Captain  of  our  salvation !  Cornelius's 
had  been  a  house  of  prayer,  but  now  it  was  made  a  house  of 
preaching.  It  is  not  the  architectural  grandeur  of  the  build- 
ing that  invites  or  secures  the  Divine  pi'esence,  but  the  fer- 
vor and  sincerity  of  the  worshippers. 

Tlie  circumstances  under  which  they  were  assenibled.  They 
were  peculiarly  interesting,  and  are  recorded  at  length  in  this 
chapter.  The  Gospel  message  was  now  to  be  delivered  to 
the  Gentiles,  as  well  as  the  Jews,  by  the  mouth  of  Peter. 

The  numbers  in  which  they  came  together.  "  Now  therefore 
are  we  all  here  present."  Cornelius  invited  his  kinsmen  and 
near  friends  to  hear  Peter's  sermon.  A  Christian  does  not 
want  to  go  to  heaven  alone.  "  O  Sir  !  "  exclaimed  a  woman 
to  Whitefield,  "come  and  preach  under  my  roof;  I  have  a 
house  that  will  hold  a  hundred,  and  a  heart  that  will  contain 
a  thousand." 

Their  devout  feelings.  They  regarded  themselves  as 
in  the  Divine  presence  :  "  before  God."  The  reality  of  God's 
presence,  and  the  realization  of  it,  are  two  things.  In  the 
sanctuary  we  are  before  an  all-seeing  God,  and  this  should 
solemnize  our  minds ;  we  are  before  a  merciful  God,  and  this 
should  rejoice  our  hearts ;  we  are  before  a  faithful  God,  and 
this  should  inspire  our  confidence  ;  we  are  before  an  all-suffi- 
cient God,  and  this  should  raise  our  expectations.  We  come 
to  the  mighty  God,  and  not  to  feeble  man  ;  to  the  Rock  of 
ages,  and  not  to  the  bending  reed  ;  to  the  living  Fountain,  and 
not  to  the  running  stream  ;  to  the  boundless  ocean,  and  not  to 
a  broken  cistern. 

Their  avow^ed  object.  "  To  hear  all  things  that  are 
commanded  thee  of  God."     There  was  on  their  part 

A  desire  to  listen  to  the  Gospel.  They  came  "  to  hear." 
How  many  visit  the  sanctuary  to  see  and  be  .^een  !  Knowledge, 
faith,  love,  and  joy,  come  by  hearing. 


TUE    KEDEMI'TION    OF    THE    CIIKISTIAN.  99 

A/i  achiowhdgment  of  the  Divine  authority  of  the  ministrij. 
They  came  to  hear  "  all  things  commanded  of  God."  Minis- 
ters speak  not  in  their  own  name,  or  by  their  own  authority, 
but  are  ambassadors  from  the  court  of  heaven. 

An  impartial  regard  to  the  ivhole  system  of  truth.  "  All 
things."  As  the  heralds  of  salvation  must  declare,  so  their 
hearers  must  receive,  the  whole  counsel  of  God.  Let  us  be 
thankful  for  the  privilege  of  coming  l)efore  God  in  the  sanc- 
tuary below,  and  anticipate  with  joy  the  period  when  we  shall 
appear  before  him  in  the  temple  above. 


APRIL    4. 

THE   REDEMPTION   OF  THE    CHRISTIAN. 

"  And  hast  redeemed  us  to  God  by  thy  blood."  —  Rev.  v.  9. 

This  is  part  of  the  new  song  celebrated  by  millions  of  beat- 
ified spirits  in  glory.     Observe 

The  REDKMrxiON  secured.  This  is  the  glorious  result 
of  a  gracious  cause. 

The  ransom  paid.  "  Thy  blood."  "  Without  shedding  of 
blood  there  is  no  remission  of  sin."  The  divinity  of  Christ 
communicated  an  unknown  value  to  e\erj  word  of  his  mouth, 
every  touch  of  his  hand,  every  tear  of  his  eye,  every  groan  of 
his  heart,  and  every  drop  of  his  blood.  Christian,  when  you 
contemplate  your  privileges,  think  of  the  blood  by  wdiich  they 
were  procured ;  and  when  you  rejoice  in  prospect  of  the  glo- 
rious inheritance  beyond  the  skies,  remember  that  it  is  a  pur- 
chased possession. 

The  blessing  procured.  "  Hast  redeemed  us  to  God.".  Re- 
demption includes  liberty  ;  —  Jesus  opens  the  prison  dooi's  to 
them  that  are  bound,  and  liberates  the  captives.  It  includes 
holiness.  The  heart  is  sanctilied,  and  is  a  temple  of  the  Ho- 
ly Ghost.  It  includes  happiness.  All  that  are  redeemed  to 
God  are  made  happy ;  they  have  the  elements  of  happiness 
Avithin  them :  thus  they  are  emancipated  from  the  dominion 
of  sin  ;  —  they  have  a  gradual  ascendancy  over  its  influence  ; 
and  ere  long  they  shall  be  completely  delivered  from  its  very 
existence,  and  then  shall  their  happiness  receive  its  final  con- 
summation. Wiiat  returns  have  we  made  for  love  so  amaz- 
ing as  that  manifested  by  our  Saviour  ?  If  he  laid  down  his 
life  for  us,  shall  we  not  consecrate  our  lives  to  him  ?  O  my 
soul !  retire  to  the  throne  of  gi-ace,  —  the  cross  of  Calvary, 
and  beneath  its  sacred  shade  present  thy  sacrifice. 


100  THE   NECESSITY.  AVOWED. 

APRIL    5. 

THE   NECESSITY  AVOWED.     U^-l^^  Qh 

"  For  we  cannot  but  speak  the  things  which  vre  have  seen  and  heard."  —  Acts  iv.  20. 

Religion  inspires  its  possessor  with  true  fortitude  ;  we  liave 
an  instance  of  this  in  the  case  of  Peter  and  John  before  us, 
whose  boldness  excited  the  astonishment  of  the  Jewish  coun- 
sel.    Note, 

The  necessity  they  avowed.  It  Avas  as  if  they  had 
said,  If  we  hold  our  peace,  where  will  be  our  love  to  our  Di- 
vine Master,  and  our  obedience  to  his  commands  ?  how  will 
sinners  know  his  grace  ?  Satan  will  triumph,  God  will  be  left 
without  a  witness,  and  the  very  stones  will  cry  out.  And 
what  have  Ave  seen  and  heard  ?  Necessity  is  laid  on  us  ;  duty 
requires,  and  our  Tprofession  demands,  that  we  remain  not 
silent.  There  are  many  poAverful  motives  that  should  induce 
us  to  this. 

The  great  importance  of  the  things  themselves.  What  is 
Christianity  ?  It  is  not  a  fable  or  a  fiction  ;  it  is  not  a  pleas- 
ing tale,  intended  to  interest  the  mind  and  divert  the  fancy ; 
it  is  not  a  cold  system  in  philosophy,  concerning  which  it  is  a 
matter  of  indifference  whether  we  are  acquainted  with  it  or 
not.  It  is  identified  with  the  interests  of  the  soul  for  immoi'- 
tality  ;  it  is  our  only  hope,  our  only  source  of  joy ;  it  is  life 
eternal.     Can  we  be  silent  on  such  topics  as  these  ? 

The  goodness  of  God  in  revealing  them  to  us.  The  crimi- 
nal who  receives  forgiveness,  cannot  but  speak  of  the  royal 
bounty ;  the  man  Avho  is  rescued  from  some  imminent  danger, 
by  the  timely  interposition  of  a  stranger,  cannot  but  celebrate 
his  kmdness.  This,  however,  gives  us  but  a  faint  view  of  the 
obligations  of  the  Christian,  who  has  been  raised  from  the 
depth  of  degradation,  and  elevated  to  the  piimacle  of  Divine 
honors. 

The  benefit  we  may  confer  on  others  hy  disclosing  them. 
Every  Christian  should  be  a  preacher,  by  a  verbal,  practical, 
and  passive  testimony  to  the  truth.  If  we  feel  aright,  and 
are  constrained  by  the  love  of  Christ,  we  cannot  remain  silent 
on  the  glorious  things  of  God  while  surrounded  by  multitudes, 
to  whom,  by  our  seasonable  exertions,  we  might  be  useful  in 
plucking  them  as  brands  from  the  fire. 


THE  christian's  fears  and  encouragements,     101 

APRIL    6. 

THE  CHRISTIAN'S   FEARS  AND  ENCOURAGEMENTS. 

"  Fear  thou  not ;  for  I  am  with  thee  :  Imj  not  dismayed  ;  for  I  am  thy  God  :  I  -will 
strengthen  thee  ;  yea,  I  will  help  thee  ;  yea,  I  mil  uphold  thee  with  the  right  hand  of 
my  righteousness."  —  Isa.  xU.  10. 

The  promises  of  Got!  are  numerous,  like  stars  bespangling 
the  firmament  of  revelation ;  diversified,  as  they  extend  to 
every  case ;  exceeding  great  in  the  blessings  to  which  they 
refer  ;  precious  as  applied  by  faith ;  and  secure,  as  they  rest 
on  the  basis  of  immutable  truth.  Here  is  a  very  comprehen- 
sive one.     Contemplate  the  believer  in 

The  cause  of  his  fears.  They  arise  from  various 
sources. 

TempomI  trials.  "We  shall  form  a  very  wrong  estimate  if 
we  judge  of  God's  love  by  the  gifts  of  his  providence ;  he 
sometimes  confers  least  on  those  he  loves  most ;  and  we  can- 
not tell  how  his  heart  is  inclined,  by  looking  at  his  hand. 
Many  have  the  smiles  of  his  providence  who  have  not  the 
light  of  his  countenance. 

Sjiiritual  conjlicts.     How  many  clouds  of  guilt  and  unbe- 
lief gather  around  us,  and  for  a  season  obscure  our  prospects  !" 
There  are  tAvo  antagonist  principles  within,    corruption  and 
grace,  and  these  are  continually  warring  with  each  other :  so 
that  the  Christian  is  often  the  subject  of  agitation  and  fear. 

The  ground  of  his  encouragement.     It  is  three-fold. 

The  Divine  presence  we  have  with  us.  "  I  am  with  thee." 
Is  not  this  enough  to  dispel  our  fears,  and  scatter  our  doubts? 
Think  of  the  perfections  of  his  nature,  the  vigilance  of  his  eye, 
the  power  of  his  arm,  and  the  pity  of  his  heart. 

The  covenant  relation  he  sustains  to  us.  "  I  am  thy  God." 
This  he  is  in  a  peculiar  sense  to  his  people ;  not  only  as  they 
are  created  by  his  power,  and  sustained  by  his  providence, 
but  as  they  are  redeemed  by  his  grace. 

I'he  gracious  acts  he  pa-forms  for  us.  He  imparts  strength, 
because  we  are  weak ;  and  he  aifords  help  in  our  need.  He 
will  uphold  us  Avhcn  we  are  ready  to  sink,  with  the  right  hand 
of  his  righteousness ;  that  hand  of  righteous  retribution  with 
which  he  confers  pardon  on  the  penitent,  and  inflicts  punish- 
ment on  hardened,  obdurate  sinners. 

9* 


102  CHRIST    CRUCIFIED. 

APRIL    7. 

CHRIST   CRUCIFIED. 

"  For  I  determined  not  to  know  any  thing  among  you,  save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  cru- 
cified." —  1  Cor.  ii.  2. 

This  passage  shows  us  the  subject  in  which  Paul  felt  the 
deepest  interest,  and  on  which  he  most  delighted  to  dwell. 
Note 

A    GLORIOUS    SCENE   EXHIBITED    TO    OUR  VIEW.       Christ 

crucified.     And  what  do  we  see  here  ? 

Promises  and  prophecies  accomjylished.  These  appear  more 
like  the  minute  details  of  historical  events  than  prophetic 
declarations ;  thus,  the  promises  are  beautifully  linked  witli 
the  fulfilment  ;  and  the  prophet  and  evangelist  appear  on  the 
field  of  truth,  seeing  eye  to  eye,  and  embracing  hand  in  hand. 

Types  and  shadows  fuljilled.  All  the  splendid  retinue  of 
Jewish  services  and  sacrifices  were  preparatory  to,  and  figu- 
rative of,  the  grand  atoning  sacrifice  of  Jesus,  presented  at  the 
dedication  of  the  gospel  temple ;  when  he  expired,  it  was 
finished. 

The  evil  of  sin  discovered.  It  appeared  odious  when  our 
first  parents  were  driven  out  of  pai-adise,  when  the  old  world 
was  destroyed,  and  when  the  cities  of  the  plain  were  consum- 
ed ;  but  in  the  cross  of  Christ  it  is  exceedingly  sinful.  There, 
Avhile  Divine  love  appears  in  its  brightest  form,  human  de- 
pravity assumes  its  deepest  dye. 

The  justice  of  God  vindicated.  The  sword  of  Divine  wrath 
was  sheathed  in  the  bosom  of  Christ  as  our  Surety  ;  and  when 
he  expired,  full  satisfaction  was  received,  and  not  a  spot  or 
stain  appears  to  tarnisli  its  lustre.  The  Almighty  sustains  his 
character  as  a  just  God,  and  yet  is  known  as  a  justifier  of  be- 
lieving sinners. 

The  riches  of  grace  manifested.  If  we  are  terrified  by  the 
lightnings  and  tempests  of  Sinai,  we  retire  to  the  milder  at- 
mosphere of  Calvary,  the  darkness  is  dispersed,  and  we  hear 
the  voice  of  love  and  mercy. 

The  kingdom  of  Satan  ruined.  In  the  field  of  battle,  he 
who  obtains  the  victory  does  not  conquer  by  deatli ;  but  Je- 
sus, "  through  death,  has  destroyed  him  that  had  the  power 
of  death,  that  is,  the  devil." 

The  salvation  of  man  completed.  This  was  the  amazing 
work  he  came  to  perform,  and  he  left  not  our  world  till  he 
had  fully  accomplished  it.  We  have  seen  this  great  sight  ; 
now  let  us  notice 


the  lamb  of  god.  103 

The  manneu  in  ■which  it  should  be  regarded. 
While  you  are  thus  lookuig  to  Christ  crucified,  mourn  over 
the  greatnesss  of"  your  sins,  wonder  at  the  extent  of  his  love, 
believe  in  the  efhcacy  of"  his  cross,  and  implore  the  agency  of 
his  Spirit ;  and  then  the  theme  of  your  contemplation  on  earth 
shall  be  the  burden  of  your  song  in  heaven. 


APRIL   8. 

THE   LAMB   OF   GOD. 

•'  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  wliieh  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world." — John  i.  29. 

The  Gospel  is  superior  to  the  law,  as  the  substance  is  to 
the  shadow,  or  the  sun  in  his  meridian  splendor,  to  the  first 
glimmerings  of  day.  In  the  one,  wc  catch  some  faint  glimp- 
ses of  the  glory  and  grace  of  the  Redeemer  ;  in  the  other,  we 
get  a  clear  and  full  view  of  them.  Two  things  may  be  noticed 
concerning  the  Saviour,  in  the  passage  before  us. 

His  GLOuious  CHARACTER.  "  The  Lamb  of  God."  Here 
is 

The  figure  emjjloyed.  A  lamb.  Look  at  its  nature  ;  how 
meek,  innocent,  and  gentle  !  "Will  not  this  apply  to  Jesus  ?  Its 
usefulness,  for  food  and  clothing.  Thus  in  Christ  we  have 
the  bread  of  life,  and  the  robe  of  righteousness.  Its  typical 
reference.  Under  the  law  of  Moses,  a  lamb  was  offered  e^ery 
morning  and  evening  in  sacrifice  to  God. 

The  designation  given.  He  is  called  the  Lamb  of  God; 
and  that  for  several  reasons,  —  because  he  was  chosen,  ap- 
pointed, and  accepted  by  God. 

His  gracious  act.  "Which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the 
world."  Here  the  doctrine  of  Christ's  atonement  is  clearly 
taught ;  and  if  this  be  denied,  we  rob  the  fabric  of  Christian- 
ity of  its  foundation ;  strike  at  the  very  roots  of  the  tree  of 
life  ;  attempt  to  pluck  the  diadem  of  glory  from  Innnanuel's 
brow ;  mutilate  the  fair  volume  of  revelation  ;  take  the  bright- 
est jewel  from  the  cabinet  of  Scripture ;  dash  the  cup  of  con- 
solation from  the  lips  of  the  mourner ;  and  leave  the  sinner 
without  a  gleam  of  hope.  Oh!  then,  let  us  take  our  station  by 
the  cross,  and  behold  the  Lamb  of  God. 


104  BEHOLDING    THE    LAMB    OF    GOD. 

APRIL    9. 

BEHOLDING  THE   LAMB   OF    GOD. 

"  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  a\ray  the  sin  of  the  ■world.'  —  John  i.  29. 

Let  us  pi'oeeecl  to  contemplate  the  Saviour  in 

His  all-sufficient  atonement.     And  liere  we  have 

Its  cause.  It  is  sin.  The  very  idea  of  atonement  sup- 
poses this.  Sin  is  of  such  a  nature,  that  no  efforts  of  ours  can 
remove  it.  Its  stain  is  too  deep  to  be  washed  away,  could  we 
even  shed  tears  of  blood. 

Its  efficacy.  Sin  is  taken  away.  The  sacrifice  of  Christ 
does  not  alter  the  nature  of  sin,  but  delivers  the  sinner  from 
its  power,  ransoms  him  from  its  guilt,  and  saves  liim  from  its 
awful  consequences.  Here  is  an  allusion  to  the  scape-goat, 
on  whom  the  priest  laid  his  hands,  and  over  whom  he  confessed 
the  sins  of  the  people  ;  after  which  it  fled  into  the  wilder- 
ness, and  bore  with  it  the  iniquities  of  the  people.  Lev.  xvi. 
20  —  22. 

Its  extent.  "  The  sin  of  the  world."  It  were  derogatory 
to  the  Almighty  to  imagine  that  he  would  provide  a  remedy 
inadequate  to  the  malady.  The  mercy  of  God  is  boundless ; 
the  atonement  of  Christ  is  infinite ;  and  the  Gospel  commis- 
sion, so  far  from  being  limited  to  a  particular  spot,  is  as  wide 
as  the  world. 

His  exalted  claims.  We  are  called  upon  to  behold  him. 
This  includes 

A  high  admiration  of  excellences.  Who  can  enumerate 
them  ?  In  vain  do  we  employ  the  power  of  language,  the 
force  of  imagery,  and  the  sublimest  strains  of  thought,  on  a 
subject  so  vast,  that  like  the  mighty  ocean  defies  our  attempts 
to  fathom  it ;  or,  like  the  bright  luminary  of  day,  dazzles  our 
eyes  when  we  attempt  to  gaze  on  its  splendor. 

An  entire  dependence  on  his  merits.  Some  behold,  and 
wonder,  and  perish  ;  but  the  Christian  beholds,  believes,  and 
is  saved. 

Complete  devotedness  to  his  glory.  If  our  eyes  behold 
his  glory,  our  minds  will  be  filled  with  admiration,  our  hearts 
will  beat  with  his  love,  our  lips  be  employed  in  his  praise,  and 
our  bodies  be  presented  a  living  sacrifice.  Blessed  Jesus,  may 
I  behold  thee  as  the  Lamb  of  God,  bleeding  on  tlie  cross,  and 
the  Lamb  in  the  midst  of  the  throne ! 


THE    CUARACTEK   AND    EXALTATION    OF    CHRIST.       105 
APRIL    10. 

THE  CHARACTER  AND  EXALTATION  OF  CHRIST. 

"  Behold,  my  Servant  shall  deal  prudently  ;  he  shall  be  exalted  and  extolled,  and  be 
very  high."— Isa.  lii.  13. 

Thus  Gk)d  the  Father  speaks  of  his  Son ;  the  sacred  wri- 
ters seem  to  vie  with  each  other  in  hiying  laurels  at  the  stem 
of  Jesse.  Jesus  is  here  represented  both  in  his  humiliation 
and  exaltation.     Note 

His  cnARACTEU.  "  IMy  Servant."  There  is  in  Christ  an 
inferiority  to  the  Father,  of  office,  but  not  of  person.  He  is 
here  spoken  of  in  his  mediatorial  capacity,  as  a  servant.  As 
God,  he  gave  the  law  ;  as  man,  he  obeyed  it.  He  was  divine- 
ly appointed  to,  and  fully  qualified  for,  the  mighty  and  stu- 
pendous work  he  came  to  perform. 

His  conduct.  "  He  shall  deal  prudently."  Prudence  is 
wisdom  applied  to  action ;  its  value  is  great,  its  want  is  much 
to  be  deplored.  If  prudence  is  required  in  the  statesman,  the 
general,  and  the  mariner,  how  much  more  in  the  Christian ! 
Two  things,  especially,  shoAV  the  prudence  of  the  Saviour ;  his 
conflict  with  the  enemy,  and  his  intercourse  with  man.  If 
his  course  was  characterized  by  zeal,  it  was  marked  by  pru- 
dence. 

His  glory.     Thi-ee  expressions  are  employed  to  denote  it. 

He  shall  he  exalted.  This  implies  abasement,  and  he 
humbled  himself.  Joseph,  INIoses,  Gideon,  David,  and  many 
others  mentioned  in  Scripture,  were  exalted,  but  none  so  high 
as  Christ.     His  name  is  above  every  other  name. 

He  shall  be  extolled.  By  whom  ?  By  the  Father,  and  all 
the  holy  angels  ;  in  the  anthems  of  the  temple  above,  and  the 
praises  of  the  church  below. 

He  shall  he  very  high.  He  is  so,  dwelling  in  the  heaven 
of  heavens,  as  a  Prince  and  a  mighty  Champion ;  he  is  so  in 
the  estimation  of  every  Cliristian.  Is  he  so  in  your  expe- 
rience ?  The  dearest  object  of  your  regard  on  earth  must 
only  occupy  the  footstool  of  your  affections ;  but  he  must 
have  the  throne. 

Extol  his  kinsjly  power  ; 

Adore  the  exalted  Son, 
AVho  died,  but  lives,  to  die  no  more, 

High  on  his  Father's  throne. 


106  VISITING    THE    TOMB    OF    CHRIST. 

APRII,    11. 

VISITING  THE  TOMB  OF  CHRIST. 

"  Come,  and  see  the  place  wliere  the  Lord  lay."  — Matt,  xxvili.  6. 

There  are  five  spots  of  interest  to  the  Christian,  which  he 
should  often  visit  in  liis  solemn  contemplations  ;  the  manger 
of  Bethlehem,  the  garden  of  Gethsemane,  the  cross  of  Cal- 
vary, the  tomb  of  Joseph,  and  the  Mount  of  Olives.  It  is 
natural  for  us  to  visit  the  grave  of  some  valued  friend  or 
dear  connection,  and  drop  the  silent  tear,  while  memory  brings 
fresh  to  our  recollection  past  scenes  of  pleasure  and  of  joy : 
let  us  come  and  see  the  place,  not  where  the  Lord  lies,  but 
where  he  lay,  for  he  is  risen. 

Come  and  mourn  over  your  sins  that  laid  him 
THERE.  Never  did  sin  appear  so  exceedingly  sinful,  as  in  the 
sufferings  and  death  of  Christ.  Shall  the  veil  of  the  temple 
be  rent  in  twain,  and  your  hearts  remain  unmoved  ?  Shall 
the  sun  hide  his  glories,  and  the  land  be  covered  with  dark- 
ness, and  you  not  be  filled  with  shame  for  your  sins  ?  Shall 
the  earth  quake,  and  the  rocks  rend  asunder,  while  you  feel 
no  pangs  of  grief,  no  contrition  of  spirit  ?  Come,  and  then 
shall  angels  carry  the  tidings  to  the  celestial  mansions :  "  He 
goeth  to  the  grave  to  weep  there." 

Come  and  wonder  at  his  love.  Do  you  speak  of  phil- 
anthropy or  disinterestedness  ?  The  world  never  can  produce 
a  nobler  instance  than  that  Avhich  he  furnished  in  making 
himself  of  no  reputation,  that  we  might  be  raised  to  honor. 

Come  and  seek  an  interest  in  his  atonement.  Noth- 
ing else  can  disperse  the  gathering  tempest  of  Divine  wrath, 
and  brighten  our  firmament.  This  alone  can  meet  the  accu- 
sations of  Satan,  quiet  the  ragings  of  conscience,  honor  the 
demands  of  the  law,  and  satisfy  the  requirements  of  justice. 

Come  and  rejoice  in  his  glorious  triumphs.  How 
futile  were  all  the  efforts  made  by  his  enemies  to  keep  him  in 
the  grave  !  Nothing  could  retain  him  tliere  ;  he  came  forth  on 
the  morning  of  the  third  day,  as  the  sinner's  friend,  sin's  foe, 
death's  conqueror,  and  the  invader  of  the  territories  of  the 
grave. 

Come  and  remember  that  he  is  risen  as  the  pledge 
of  our  resurection.  We  fall  to  rise,  we  die  to  live  again. 
Christ  has  risen  as  the  first-fruits  of  those  that  slept :  what  a 
glorious  harvest  shall  there  be,  when  all  the  saints  shall  rise 
to  honor,  glory,  and  immortality  ! 


THE    saviour's    severe   CONFLICT.  107 

COJIE  AND  WAIT  FOR  HIS  SECOND  ADVENT.     Hc  shall  COme  ; 

for  reason  confirms  it,  he  himself  has  declared  it,  the  Scrip- 
tures testify  it,  and  angels  revealed  it.  "Wait  with  patience, 
earnest  desire,  confident  hope,  and  continual  preparation ; 
tlien  shall  angels  convey  you  at  death  to  your  Father's  house, 
and  exclaim,  Come,  see  the  throne  where  the  Lord  reigns. 


APRIL    12. 

THE  SAVIOUR'S  SEVERE  CONFLICT. 

"  AVho,  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  him,  endured  the  cross."  —  Ileb.  xii.  2. 

The  Christian  is  pursuing  a  course  that  is  identified  with 
all  that  is  solemn  and  sublime  —  his  track  is  marked  in  lines 
of  blood,  and  leads  to  glory,  honor,  and  renown  ;  it  excites  the 
interest  of  heaven,  earth,  and  hell ;  many  are  watching  him  : 

"  A  cloud  of  witnesses  around 
Hold  him  in  full  survey." 

lie  has  the  smiles  of  Jehovah,  the  ministration  of  angels, 
the  prayers  of  the  church.  Jesus  has  gone  before  to  lead  the 
wn}'.  and  prepare  a  place  for  him  ;  and  he  is  to  be  contem- 
plated at  every  step.  The  truth  taught  us  in  this  passage  is, 
that  the  anticipation  of  joy  supported  the  Saviour  in  the  en- 
durance of  suffering.     Let  us  view  him  in 

His  severe  conflict.     "  Who  endured  the  cross." 

The  dignity  he  jwssessed.  When  we  refer  to  the  Saviour 
in  the  scenes  of  his  humiliation,  Ave  must  never  lose  sight  of 
his  pre-existent  glory  and  his  unrivalled  excellences.  The 
splendor  of  his  Godhead  was  for  a  time  enshrined  in  the  veil 
of  his  manhood  ;  the  world  could  see  in  him  no  more  than  a 
man,  but  the  eye  of  faith  beheld  his  glory. 

7Vie  degradation  he  endured.  "  The  cross."  This  was  a 
death  attended  with  the  most  excruciating  pain,  and  connect- 
ed with  ignominy,  shame,  and  reproach.  But  what  was  the 
pain  of  body  felt  on  the  cross,  compared  with  the  anguish  of 
soul  inflicted  by  the  tjurse  ? 

The  design  he  had  in  vieio.  He  suffered  to  make  an  atone- 
ment for  sin,  to  reconcile  us  unto  God,  and  that  he  might 
finally  bring  us  tO  everlasting  glory.  Let  it  be  our  humble 
and  hearty  desire,  that  these  high  and  important  ends  may 
be  accomplished  in  us,  and  that  we  may  be  ever  looking  unto 
Jesus. 


108  THE    SUFFEKINGS    AND    GRACE    OF    CHKIST. 

APRIL    13. 

THE  SUFFERINGS  AND   GRACE  OF  CHRIST. 

"  As  many  Tvere  astonished. at  thee  ;  his  visage  was  so  marred  more  than  any  man, 
and  his  form  more  than  the  sons  of  men  :  so  shall  he  sprinkle  many  nations."  —  Isa. 
hi.  14, 15. 

We  cannot  be  mistaken  in  the  individual  to  whom  the 
prophet  here  refers.  He  speaks  not  of  himself,  but  of  some 
other  man,  the  Man  Christ  Jesus.  Three  thi«g3  are  here 
observed  respecting  him. 

The  wonder  he  excited.  "As  many  were  aston- 
ished at  thee."  Every  thing  about  the  Saviour  was  wonder- 
ful. How  mysterious  was  the  union  of  the  Divine  and 
human  nature  in  one  Person  !  JNIany  were  astonished  at  his 
birth,  the  poverty  of  his  condition,  his  doctrine,  his  miracles, 
his  kindness  and  compassion,  his  sufferings  and  death,  his  res- 
urrection and  ascension. 

The  sufferings  he  endured.  Tliese  are  here  alluded 
to  in  a  most  touching  manner ;  his  countenance  indicated  the 
pains  of  body  and  agonies  of  soul  he  felt.  How  well  was  he 
called  "  a  Man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief"  !  He 
who  is  fairer  than  the  chiklren  of  men  in  the  dignity  of  his 
Person,  the  glory  of  his  nature,  and  the  excellences  of  his 
character,  had  "  his  visage  marred  more  than  any  man,  and  his 
form  more  than  the  sons  of  men."  These  sulFerings  were 
voluntarily  endured  on  his  part,  cruelly  inflicted  by  his  ene- 
mies, but  eificacious  in  their  results. 

The  grace  he  manifests.  "  So  shall  he  sprinkle  inany 
nations."     Every  thing  is  observable  here. 

The  nature  of  the  blessing.  "  He  shall  sprinkle."  This 
may  allude  to  the  sprinkling  of  blood  on  the  door-posts,  in  the 
Jewish  passover.  The  blood  of  sprinkling  is  applied  to  the 
conscience.  It  is  emblematical  of  the  outpouring  of  the 
Spirit. 

'The  manner  in  tvMch  it  is  imparted.  "  So  shall  he  sprin- 
kle ; "  that  is,  in  this  manner,  by  these  sufferings.  Thus  "  by 
his  stripes  we  are  liealed." 

The  numher  that  shall  participate  in  it.  "Many  nations." 
The  sacred  influence  of  his  grace  shall  be  received  hj  count- 
less myriads  of  souls,  Gentiles  as  well  as  Jews. 


THE  saviodk's  anticipated  triumph.  109 

APRIL    14. 

THE  SAVIOUR'S   ANTICIPATED  TRIUMPH. 

"  ^Tio  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  him  endured  the  cross."  —  Ileb.  xii.  2. 

Jerome,  when  he  had  read  the  religious  life  and  death  of 
Hilaron,  closed  the  book,  and  exclaimed,  "  Hilaron  shall  be 
the  champion  "whom  I  will  imitate."  When  we  view  the 
character  of  the  Saviour,  as  di'aAvn  out  in  the  Scriptures,  let 
us  say,  "  Jesus  shall  be  the  glorious  person  whose  example 
we  will  follow."     Let  us  contemplate  him  in 

His  axticipated  triumph.  "What  was  the  joy  set  be- 
fore him,  the  prospect  of  which  animated  him   in   his  sulFer- 


injTS 


The  glory  of  the  Divine  attributes.  This  glory  appears  in 
the  works  of  God,  like  so  many  scattered  rays  .shooting  forth 
in  all  directions  in  the  universe  ;  but  its  full  splendor  and 
overpowering  brightness  are  condensed  and  drawn  into  one 
focus  in  the  cross,  where  "  mercy  and  truth  meet  together, 
righteousness  and  peace  embrace  each  other." 

The  doionfall  of  Satan's  empire.  He  swayed  his  tyranni- 
cal sceptre  nearly  over  the  whole  world,  for  with  the  excep- 
tion of  Judea,  the  nations  were  wholly  given  up  to  idolatry  ; 
but  when  the  Saviour  came,  he  struck  a  death-blow  to  his 
kingdom  :  this  animated  him  in  his  suffering  course,  that  the 
empire  of  this  proud  tyrant  should  be  finally  overthrown. 

The  establishment  of  a  glorious  kingdom.  He  knew  that 
"  of  the  increase  of  his  government  there  should  be  no  end ; " 
he  saw,  in  joyful  anticipation,  Jews  and  Gentiles,  men  of 
every  country  and  clime,  uniting  to  spread  the  tidings  of  his 
love,  and  the  triumphs  of  his  cross  ;  and  this  animated  his 
suffering  spirit. 

His  exaltation  at  his  Father^s  right  hand.  He  knew,  though 
his  sufferings  were  great,  his  reign  should  be  glorious  ;  though 
he  endured  the  cross,  many  crowns  should  flourish  on  his 
brow.  Tiie  subject  presents  us  with  the  foundation  of  our 
hope,  an  example  for  our  imitation,  and  a  stimulus  to  our 
perseverance.  It  has  been  justly  remarked,  that  as,  in  copy- 
ing the  productions  of  ancient  genius,  the  admiring  artist 
takes  up  his  station  before  his  model,  and,  that  he  may  not 
omit  a  single  line  of  shade,  raises  his  eye  every  moment  to 
scan  the  original ;  so  we  are  to  avail  ourselves  of  the  perpet- 
ual presence  of  Jesus,  by  recurring  in  thought  to  his  Divine 
example,  preparatory  to  every  step  we  take. 


110  THE    SACRIFICE    OF    A    BROKEN    SPIRIT. 

APRIL    15. 

THE  SACRIFICE  OF  A  BROKEN  SPIRIT. 

"  The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit :  a  broken  and  contrite  heart,  0  God  1  thou 
wilt  not  despise."  — Psabn  li.  17. 

This  is  David's  penitential  psalm.  He  prays  for  liimself, 
that  lie  might  be  pardoned  and  purified,  and  for  the  church, 
that  had  been  scandalized  by  his  fall.  In  this  passage  we  are 
led  to  contemplate 

The  SACRIFICES  God  requires.  "  A  broken  spirit,  and 
a  contrite  heart."     That  is, 

A  heart  humbled  ivith  a  sight  of  sin.  .  The  true  penitent  is 
thus  abased,  when  he  considers  the  evil  nature,  awful  defile- 
ment, and  hateful  deformity  of  sin.  The  mind  must  be  en- 
lightened before  these  feelings  of  contrition  are  experienced ; 
and  this  is  the  work  of  the  Spirit. 

A  heart  wounded  under  a  sense  of  sin.  "  A  broken  spirit" 
intimates  far  more  than  a  partial  or  transient  effect  produced 
on  the  feelings  —  it  is  a  divine,  deep,  and  durable  impression 
on  the  heart,  and  connected  with  a  sincere  and  cordial  return 
unto  God. 

A  heart  tender  and  docile.  The  heart  of  the  true  penitent 
yields  to  the  threatenings,  and  melts  under  the  promises,  of 
God  —  discovers  a  simple,  childlike,  and  teachable  disposition. 
What  a  beautiful  ornament  is  humility  !  It  has  been  repre- 
sented as  the  string  that  binds  together  all  the  precious  pearls 
of  the  Christian  graces,  and  if  it  break,  they  are  all  scattered. 

The  reception  God  will  give  to  such  sacrifices. 
It  is  here  said,  he  will  not  despise  them.     But  why  ? 

Because  of  the  sacrifice  of  his  Son.  All  the  legal  and 
ceremonial  offerings  pointed  to,  and  had  their  completion  in 
him,  in  whom  alone  we  can  find  acceptance  before  God.  Our 
sacrifices  must  be  offered  on  the  altar  of  our  hearts,  and  as- 
cend mingled  with  the  much  incense  _  of  our  great  High 
Priest,  in  order  to  their  reception. 

Because  of  the  declarations  of  his  word.  Here  we  have 
both  the  precept  and  the  promise.  God  requires  this  sacri- 
fice, and  would  he  therefore  despise  it  ?  The  loftiest  strains 
of  praise  and  adoration  proceeding  from  glorified  spirits  in 
heaven,  are  not  more  acceptable  and  pleasing  to  him  than  the 
breathings  of  an  humble,  pious  soul.  The  most  precious 
promises  are  made  to  such.  Isaiah  Ivii.  15.  Let  it  be  my 
earnest  aim  to  present  such  an  offering  to  God,  encouraged 
by  the  assurance  that  with  it  he  will  be  well  pleased. 


OBEDIENCE    THE    TEST    OF    LOVE.  Ill 

APRIL    16. 

OBEDIENCE  THE  TEST  OF  LOVE. 

"  If  j-c  love  me,  keep  my  commandments."  —  John  xiv.  15. 

So  said  our  Lord  to  his  disciples,  when  he  was  about  to  be 
parted  from  thera,  and  sorrow  filled  their  hearts  ;  and  so  he 
says  to  all  who  make  a  profession  of  his  name.    Observe  here 

A  SUPPOSITION.  "  If  ye  love  me."  Love  is  one  of  the 
strongest  passions  of  the  human  mind  —  and  four  things  may 
be  remarked  concerning  the  believer's  love  to  Christ. 

Its  necessity.  We  cannot  sei-ve  God  aright  without  it,  en- 
gage with  pleasure  and  profit  in  the  ordinances  of  religion,  or 
have  any  pretensions  whatever  to  true  piety.  No  services  or 
sacrifices,  however  costly,  can  be  acceptable  to  God,  if  there 
are  not  the  flames  of  love  ascending  from  the  altar  of  the 
heart. 

Its  qualities.  It  must  be  sincere,  the  love  of  the  heart : 
it  must  be  strong,  not  to  be  quenched  by  the  water  of  difli- 
culty  :  it  must  be  supreme,  no  rival  must  be  suffered  to  en- 
gage your  affections. 

Its  grounds.  Our  love  to  Christ  is  the  reflection  of  his 
love  to  us.  As  the  needle  is  drawn  to  the  loadstone,  so  the 
heart  of  the  believer  is  attracted  by  the  powerful  influence  of 
Christ's  excellences. 

Its  evidences.  Love  is  a  powerful  principle,  that  operates 
many  ways.  It  will  lead  us  to  desire  the  presence  of  the  Sa- 
viour, to  prize  his  ordinances,  to  value  his  word,  and  openly 
and  unhesitatingly  to  confess  his  name  before  men. 

A  REQUISITION.  "  Keep  my  commandments."  Christ  is 
a  good  Master,  and  rewards  all  his  servants  with  unspeak- 
able honors.     Note 

The  commands  he  has  given.  There  are  two  great  duties 
which  he  has  enjoined  more  particularly  on  us  —  love  to  his 
people,  and  remembrance  of  himself:  all  the  other  precepts 
laid  down  in  Scripture  for  our  rule  may  be  here  included. 

Tlie  obedience  he  requires.  Though  it  cannot  be  marked 
by  perfection,  it  must  be  characterized  by  sincerity.  In  order 
to  its  acceptance  with  God,  it  must  spring  from  right  princi- 
ples and  motives.  "My  burden  is  light,"  —  a  light  burden, 
indeed,  says  one,  that  carries  him  that  bears  it.  I  have  looked 
througli  all  nature  for  a  resemblance  of  this ;  and  I  seem  to 
find  a  shadow  of  it  in  the  wings  of  a  bird,  Avhich  are  indeed 
borne  by  the  creature,  and  yet  support  her  flight  towards 
heaven. 


112  WALKING    IN    CHRIST. 

APRIL    17. 

WALKING  IN  CHEIST. 

"  As  ye  haTe  therefore  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  walk  ye  in  hini."  —  Col.  ii.  6. 

There  can  be  no  true  religion  without  experience ;  and 
where  the  power  of  truth  has  been  felt  within,  its  practical 
influence  will  appear  without.     Note 

A  REPRESENTATION  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER.       It 

is  the  reception  of  Christ. 

In  what  capacity  is  he  received  ?  Not  only  in  a  belief  of 
his  word,  and  a  profession  of  his  name,  but  an  actual  union 
to  his  person,  and  participation  in  his  benefits.  As  "  Christ," 
the  anointed  Prophet  to  remove  our  ignorance ;  "  Jesus,"  the 
atoning  Priest  to  expiate  our  guilt ;  "  the  Lord,"  the  Al- 
mighty King,  to  subdue  our  corruptions. 

In  what  manner  is  he  to  be  r'eceived?  Personally,  for  he 
cannot  be  received  by  proxy ;  freely,  as  God's  unspeakable 
gift ;  fully,  as  a  complete  Saviour,  with  a  renunciation  of 
every  other  hope  ;  willingly,  and  not  by  constraint,  except 
that  of  love.  In  conversion,  the  will  is  sweetly  subdued,  and 
made  to  fall  in  with  the  arrangements  of  mercy. 

A  RULE  FOR  Christian  conduct.  It  is  to  walk  in 
Christ  —  and  this  course  is  to  be 

Consistent  in  its  character.  "  So  walk  ye,"  that  is,  let  there 
be  a  correspondence  between  principle  and  practice  ;  what 
you  profess  to  be,  and  what  you  really  are. 

Progressive  in  its  tendency.  The  Christian  life  is  a  holy, 
honorable,  difficult,  pleasant,  and  safe  walk ;  we  are  not  to 
stand  still,  but  to  urge  on  our  way  to  the  place  of  our  high 
destination. 

Spiritual  in  its  nature  :  "  walk  ye  in  him ; "  that  is,  in  a 
nearness  to,  and  communion  with  him  —  there  must  be  faith 
in  his  merits,  dependence  on  his  strength,  and  conformity  to 
his  example.  Such  a  course  will  be  associated  with  the  cul- 
tivation of  spiritual  and  holy  disjDOsitions  and  tempers,  and 
crowned  with  the  Divine  favor  and  regard.  May  such  a 
course  be  mine ;  that  it  may  be  said  of  me  when  I  am  no 
more  on  earth,  "  He  walked  with  God  —  and  God  took  him." 

"  Christ  is  our  life,  our  joy,  our  hope, 
Nor  can  we  sink  with  such  a  prop." 


TIIK    SECURITY    OF    BELIEVERS.  113 

APRIL    18. 

THE  PURSUIT,  PEACE,  x\ND  SECURITY  OF 
BELIEVERS. 

"  Great  i)cacc  have  they  which  love  th}-  law  ;  and  nothingshall  o£fend  them." 
Psalm  cxix.  165. 

It  is  impossible  for  us  duly  to  estimate  the  numerous  ad- 
vantages associated  with  the  service  of  God.  Religion  does 
for  its  possessor  what  nothing  else  can  do.  The  passage  be- 
fore us  gives  a  delightful  view  of  its  benejScial  effects.  Three 
things  are  here  remarked  of  believers. 

The  disposition  they  cherish.  They  love  God's  law. 
Let  us  inquire  how  they  evince  this  love. 

Bij  searching  its  hidden  glories.  We  must  seai'ch  the 
Scriptures,  as  we  would  dig  in  a  mine  in  quest  of  the  precious 
metal ;  or  as  we  would  seek  some  valuable  article  that  we 
had  lost. 

Bg  ineditating  on  its  important  truths.  If  the  "Word  of 
God  is  the  food  of  the  soul,  spiritual  meditation  is  that  by 
which  we  digest  it,  and  derive  nourishment  from  it,  as  it  is 
mixed  with  faith. 

By  practising  his  Divine  precepts.  It  is  not  the  bare 
knowledge  of  truth  that  can  save  the  soul,  but  the  inward  ex- 
perience of  it,  which  will  uniformly  be  attended  with  a  prac- 
tical regard  to  its  holy  dictates. 

The  tranquillity  they  enjoy.  "  Great  peace  have 
they." 

They  have  great  peace  in  possession.  Conscience  is  paci- 
fied, and  the  mind  is  composed,  because  they  are  reconciled 
to  God.  The  streams  of  peace  may  flow  gently  within,  while 
tlie  storms  of  sorrow  are  raging  without. 

They  have  greater  peace  in  prospect.  Here,  though  their 
sky  has  many  a  gleam  of  brightness,  yet  the  gathering  clouds 
sometimes  almost  overcast  it  in  the  shadows  of  darkness ;  but 
there  the  firmament  shall  be  all  light,  and  not  a  cloud  or  mist 
be  seen  ;  for  there  shall  be  no  night  there. 

The  safety  they  obtain.  "  Nothing  shall  oftcnd  them," 
or  be  a  snare  or  stumbling-block  to  them.  Nothing  that  God 
does,  or  that  man  can  do,  shall  really  injure  them ;  but  all 
things  shall  work  together  for  their  good.  Such  are  the  ad- 
vantages connected  with  true  piety :  may  it  be  our  happiness 
to  realize  thera  ! 

10* 


114  CHRIST    OUR    PROPITIATION. 

APRIL    19. 

CHRIST   OUR   PROPITIATION. 

"  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  he  a  propitiation  through  faith  in  his  hlood." 
Kom.  iii.  25. 

In  our  salvation  Christ  is  all  and  in  all.  He  is  "  the  way" 
in  which  God  comes  to  the  soul,  and  the  soul  to  God  —  "  the 
truth  "  to  direct  us  in  it ;  and  "  the  life,"  to  impart  and  sustain 
in  us  a  spiritual  principle.  He  is  represented  in  three  inter- 
esting views  in  this  passage. 

The  nature  of  his  work.  "  A  propitiation."  The 
Greek  word  signifies  both  an  atoning  sacrifice  and  a  mercy 
seat. 

An  atoning  sacrifice.  He  lived  to  furnish  us  with  a  per- 
fect example  of  holiness  ;  and  died  to  make  a  full  expiation 
for  sin.  As  these  two  ends  are  united  in  Scripture,  so  they 
must  be  combined  in  the  Christian's  experience. 

A  mercy  seat.  The  word  here  translated  "  propitiation  "  is 
in  Hebrews  ix.  5,  rendered  "  the  mercy  seat."  See  Exodus 
XXV.  21,  22,  As  at  the  mercy  seat  of  the  ark,  Jehovah  met 
with  his  ancient  people,  and  communed  with  them ;  so  in 
Christ,  of  whom  the  ark  was  a  lively  type,  he  draws  near  to 
those  who  draw  near  to  him  ;  receives  their  petitions,  listens 
to  their  complaints,  and  displays  his  mercy. 

The  method  by  which  he  is  revealed.  "  Whom 
God  hath  set  forth  ;"  or  fore-ordained,  see  1  Peter  i.  20.  He 
was  set  forth  by  God  from  eternity,  in  the  ancient  predictions 
of  the  prophets  ;  in  Jewish  rites  and  ceremonies,  for  the  voice 
of  every  sacrifice,  though  but  faintly  uttered,  and  heard  by 
few,  was,  "  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away  the 
sin  of  the  world  ;" —  in  his  own  personal  ministry  ;  afterwards 
in  the  preaching  of  the  apostles  ;  and  now  in  the  public  minis- 
try of  the  Gospel,  and  in  the  private  testimony  of  believers. 

The  manner  in  which  he  is  to  be  received. 
"  Through  faith  in  his  blood  ;"  or  in  his  atonement.  Christ 
is  the  grand  remedy,  faith  applies  to  it ;  Christ  invites,  faith 
comes  ;  Christ  promises,  faith  relies.  Thus  the  blood  of  the 
Saviour  is  sprinkled  on  the  conscience,  and  secures  our  access 
to  God,  and  acceptance  with  him. 

"  Thy  blood,  dear  Jesus,  thine  alone, 
Hath  sovereign  virtue  to  atone  : 
Here  will  we  rest  our  only  plea, 
When  we  approach,  great  God,  to  thee." 


THE    christian's    TRIALS-  115 

APRIL    20. 

THE  CHRISTIAN'S  TRIALS. 

"  My  bretliren,  count  it  all  joy  when  yo  fall  into  divers  temptations." — James  i.  2. 

Such  a  sentiment  is  calculated  to  startle  the  unbeliever, 
who  forms  his  estimate  of  things  by  carnal  reason,  rather  than 
by  revelation  and  Divine  teaching.  He  who  would  judge 
aright  in  spiritual  things,  must  not  remain  in  the  outer  court 
of  the  temple  of  Christianity,  but  enter  into  the  holiest  of  all, 
within  the  veil,  and  thus  see  by  the  lamp  of  the  sanctuary. 
Here  we  have 

A  CASE  SUPPOSED.     The  Christian  in  temptations. 

Their  nature.  They  are  trials.  Thus  when  it  is  said  God 
tempted  Abraham,  the  meaning  is,  that  he  tried  him.  He 
tries  us,  says  Henry,  "  to  draw  out  our  graces,  not  our  cor- 
ruptions." Thus  he  proves  his  people,  as  he  did  the  Israelites. 
Dent.  viii.  16.  Our  faith,  love,  zeal,  sincerity,  and  all  the 
Christian  graces,  are  tried. 

Their  variety.  They  are  "  divers."  The  Christian's 
course  is  not  like  the  calm  and  unruffled  appearance  of  the 
lake,  on  a  beautiful  summer's  evening  ;  but  like  the  tem- 
pestuous ocean,  where  one  wave  rolls  on  another  in  feai'ful 
and  constant  succession.  God  has  a  variety  of  ways  to  try 
his  people.  In  the  appointment  of  these  methods,  we  must 
not  question  his  Avisdom,  and  desire  to  choose  for  ourselves. 

Their  unavoidahleness.  The  believer  is  said  to  fall  into 
them.  It  is  not  a  matter  of  joy,  but  of  shame,  when  he 
rushes  into  them.  We  lose  the  comfort  of  our  sufferings, 
says  Manton,  when  there  is  guilt  in  them.  "  Let  none  of  you 
suffer  as  an  evil  doer."  We  should  therefore  seek  to  be  pre- 
pared for  every  trial  that  awaits  us  ;  so  that,  instead  of  being 
thrown  off  our  guard,  we  may  stand  still,  and  see  the  salva- 
tion of  God.  One  has  beautifully  remarked,  tliat  affliction, 
though  like  the  rugged  season  of  winter,  it  is  searching,  try- 
ing, and  withering ;  yet  when  sanctified,  it  is  purifying,  and 
prepares  the  soil  of  the  heart  for  spiritual  fruitfulness  and 
beauty. 

"  Whene'er  temptations  lure  my  heart, 
Or  draw  my  feet  aside, 
My  God,  thy  powerful  aid  impart, 
JMy  Guardian  aud  my  Guide." 


116  THE    christian's    CALCULATION. 

APRIL    21. 

THE  CHEISTIAN'S  CALCULATION. 

"  My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  ye  fall  into  divers  temptations  ;  knowing  this, 
that  the  trying  of  your  faith  woi-keth  patience." — James  i.  2,  3. 

While  there  is  here  a  case  supposed,  namely,  the  exist- 
ence of  trials  ;  there  is 

A  COURSE  RECOM3IENDED.  "  Count  it  all  joy."  We  are 
prone  to  take  a  very  different  view  of  our  trials  to  this.  Are 
they  not  too  often  the  ground  of  our  sorrow  and  murmuring, 
instead  of  the  occasions  of  our  joy  and  thankfulness  ?  Did 
philosophy  ever  teach  such  a  lesson  as  the  one  before  us  ? 
Here  is  a  calculation  to  be  made ;  but  none  can  do  it  without 
a  Divine  Tutor.  This  heavenly  arithmetic  baffles  all  the 
powers  of  human  reason,  and  mocks  at  the  wisdom  of  the 
world.     How  are  we  to  estimate  here  ? 

J5i/  Scripture,  and  not  by  reason.  The  Bible  should  be  the 
book  used  in  the  school  of  adversity  ;  and  the  more  we  con- 
sult it,  the  better.  Affliction  is  called  by  Luther  the  Chris- 
tian man's  divinity. 

By  faith,  and  not  hy  sense.  Without  the  exercise  of  this 
grace,  we  shall  take  but  a  vei*y  narrow  view  of  things.  On 
this  principle  Moses  acted,  when  he  "  chose  rather  to  suffer 
affliction  with  the  peo2")le  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures 
of  sin  for  a  season."  In  the  exercise  of  fixith,  Paul  reckoned 
that  the  sufferings  of  this  present  time  are  not  to  be  com- 
pared with  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed  in  believers. 

The  CONSIDERATION  URGED.  "  Knowing  that  the  try- 
ing of  your  faith  worketh  patience." 

The  design  of  affliction.  "  The  trying  of  faith."  Afflic- 
tion is  the  furnace  in  which  God  tries  his  people ;  sin  is  the 
dross  that  is  purged  away  ;  and  when  they  come  forth,  it  is  as 
gold  that  has  been  purified  and  refined.  Faith  is  the  grace 
principally  tried,  because  it  is  the  root  of  all  other  graces ; 
and  is  most  called  into  exercise.  Thus  Jesus  said  to  Peter, 
"  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not." 

The  result  of  the  trial.  "  It  worketh  patience."  It  not 
only  gives  scope  for  its  exercise  ;  but 

"  Lays  the  rough  paths  of  peevish  nature  eveu, 
And  opens  in  each  breast  a  little  heaven." 


THi:    OFFEKING    OF    I'RAISE.  117 

APRIL    22. 

THE  OFFERING  OF  PRAISE. 

"  Whoso  offereth  praise,  glorificth  me."— Psalm  1.  23. 

We  require  to  be  reminded  of  the  plainest  truths  in  reli- 
gion, because  we  are  so  prone  to  forget  them.  No  duty  is 
more  obvious  than  praise,  and  perhaps  none  more  neglected. 
Note 

The  sins  condemned.  These  are  implied,  though  not 
exjiressed. 

Atheism.  "  The  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart,  there  is  no 
God;"  but  how  many  say  so  in  their  lives  !  The  man  that 
lives  without  God  in  the  world  is  a  practical  athei:<t ;  however 
he  may  startle  at  the  charge,  it  is  correct.  How  many  are 
daily  living  on  the  bounty  of  that  benevolent  Being  they 
scorn  to  acknowledge  ! 

Ingratitude.  Multitudes  murmur  against  God,  instead  of 
praising  him ;  and  arc  discontented  Avith  the  allotments  of 
Providence. 

Despair.  How  awful  is  the  state  of  that  individual  who 
listens  to  the  blasphemous  suggestions  of  Satan,  rather  than  the 
declarations  of  God's  word  !  O  give  him  the  praise,  and  believe. 

TnE  CONDUCT  REQL'iiJED.  You  are  called  upon  to  offer 
a  sacrifice  ;  it  is  of  a  spiritual  nature ;  namely,  praise  to 
God.  It  must  burn  in  the  heart,  kindling  your  affections  into 
a  heavenly  flame  ;  it  must  be  offered  from  the  lij)S,  and  shed 
its  fragrance  in  the  life ;  it  must  be  intrusted  to  the  care  of 
him  who  is  our  Great  High  Priest. 

The  motives  suiteied.     Let  us  name  three. 

It  is  reasonable  you  s/iould.  Can  you  imagine  any  thing 
more  proper  than  the  offering  of  ])raise  to  God  ? 

It  is  delightful  you  may.  Is  this  act,  think  not  that  you  are 
conferring  a  favor  on  him  ;  the  obligation  is  on  your  part. 
Praise  is  the  sweetest  employment  in  which  you  can  engage ; 
it  is  the  work  of  heaven  commenced  on  earth. 

It  will  he  dreadful  if  you  do  not.  The  glorifying  of  God 
is  the  great  end  of  life  ;  and  if  this  end  is  not  answered,  it  had 
been  better  for  you  if  you  had  never  been  bom.  Present 
the  offering,  while  the  temple  door  is  open,  and  the  High 
Priest  is  waiting  with  his  golden  censer,  and  the  mercy-seat 
may  be  approached,  and  heaven  is  propitious  ;  ere  the  gl(Jfy 
of  the  Lord  departs,  and  the  candlestick  of  the  Gospel  is  re- 
moved, and  the  voice  utters,  "  He  that  is  filthy,  let  him  be 
filthy  still ;  and  he  that  is  righteous,  let  him  be  righteous  still." 


118  DEHVEKANCK    FKOM    WRATH. 

APRIL    23. 

DELIVERANCE  FROM  WRATH. 

"  Jesus,  which  delivered  us  from  the  wrath  to  come."— 1  Thes.  i.  10. 

How  refreshing  and  reviving  is  the  name  of  Jesus !  It  is 
"  as  ointment  poured  forth  ;"  and  can  never  be  unseasonable 
for  the  contemplation  of  the  believer.  It  is  the  name  of  our 
dearest  Friend,  our  compassionate  High  Priest,  and  our 
Mighty  Deliverer.  Let  us  meditate  on  what  is  said  of  him 
here.     Note 

Our  danger.     "We  are  exposed  to  wrath. 

It  is  deserved.  In  a  state  of  innocence,  man's  moral  at- 
mosphei'e  was  clear  and  bright ;  but  when  sin  entered,  the 
sky  began  to  lower,  and  was  soon  overcast  with  dark  clouds, 
and  all  foretold  the  gathering  storm.  By  our  iniquities  we 
have  incurred  the  displeasure  of  the  Most  High. 

It  is  dreadfid.  If  the  wrath  of  a  king  is  as  the  roaring  of 
a  lion,  what  must  be  the  anger  of  an  incensed  Deity  !  It  is 
partially  felt  by  the  ungodly  here,  in  the  pangs  of  a  guilty 
conscience. 

It  is  future.  "  The  wrath  to  come."  Here  it  drops  on  the 
sinner,  and  causes  a  hell  in  him  ;  but  hereafter  it  will  be 
poured  out  on  him  in  one  perpetual  tempest,  where  no  ray  of 
hope  ever  glimmers  on  the  impervious  gloom  of  darkness  and 
despair. 

Our  deliverance.  It  is  honorable  in  its  character, 
shedding  a  lustre  on  the  Divine  perfections;  costly  in  its 
price,  being  pi'ocured  by  the  blood  of  Jesus  ;  great  in  its  ex- 
tent, as  it  delivers  from  great  evils,  and  conducts  to  lasting 
happiness  ;  complete  in  its  nature,  as  it  requires  no  merito- 
rious additions  of  ours  ;  free  in  its  bestowment,  as  the  gift  of 
God's  grace  ;  and  eternal  in  its  duration,  as  it  is  to  be  enjoyed 
through  interminable  ages.  Be  it  our  constant  aim  and  ar- 
dent wish  to  secure  an  interest  in  this  Mighty  Deliverer ; 
then,  how  delightful,  amidst  the  trials  and  vexations  of  earth, 
to  anticipate  the  joys  and  triumphs  of  heaven  ! 

"  Happy  day  !  that  breaks  our  chain  ; 
That  manumits  ;  that  calls  from  exile,  home  ; 
That  leads  to  nature's  great  metropolis, 
^  And  re-admits  us  through  the  guardian  hand 

Of  elder  brothers  to  our  Father's  throne." 


HUMAN    FRAILTY.  119 

APRIL    21. 

HUMAN  FRAILTY. 

'•  As  for  man,  his  cla}-s  are  as  grass  :  as  a  flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flourisheth.  For 
the  wind  passeth  oyer  it,  and  it  is  gone  ;  and  the  place  thereof  shall  know  it  no  more." 
I'salm  ciij.  15, 16. 

These  words  give  us  a  very  affecting  view  of  human  life, 
and  one  that  we  may  pi'ofitably  contemplate.     Note 

Human  frailty.  Many  figures  and  images  are  employed 
in  Scripture,  to  describe  the  uncertain  tenure  and  the  short 
duration  of  man's  life.  It  is  a  mere  bubble  on  the  wave ;  a 
"  leaf  driven  to  and  fro,"  which,  however  fresh  and  green  for 
a  season,  soon  fades  and  withers  away ;  a  lighted  torch,  either 
burnt  out  in  the  decay  of  nature,  blown  out  by  unforseen  ac- 
cident, or  wasted  away  by  the  rapid  progress  of  disease  —  an 
hand-breadth,  a  shadow  declining  on  the  plain,  and  a  vapor 
that  appeareth  for  a  little  time,  and  then  vanisheth  away. 
One  has  strilcingly  described  life  as  a  little  spot  of  time  be- 
tween two  eternities.     It  is  compared  to 

Grass.  This  image  is  used  both  in  the  Old  and  New  Tes- 
taments. But  wherein  is  the  resemblance  ?  In  its  origin.  It 
is  from  the  earth.  We  are  of  the  earth,  earthy,  and  this 
should  teacli  us  liumility.  In  its  frailty,  how  tender  is  the 
grass!  —  many  things  combine  to  destroy  it,  both  heat 
and  cold  ;  the  mower's  scythe,  and  the  blasting  wind.  Will 
not  this  apply  to  life  ?  "  Teach  me,"  says  David,  "  how  frail 
I  am."     In  its  short  duration.     IMatthew  vi.  30. 

21ie  Jlower  of  the  field.  This  image  is  stronger  than  the 
former,  though  both  are  very  significant.  How  gay  and  love- 
ly is  the  flower  of  the  field  !  —  we  gaze  on  it,  and  admire  its 
beauty ;  but  soon,  and  sometimes  suddenly,  it  withers  and  sinks 
into  its  parent  earth,  and  is  no  more  seen.  Just  such  is  the 
case  witli  frail  man  :  "  lie  cometh  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is 
cut  down."  May  such  considerations  induce  us  to  seek  a 
better  life  in  the  world  to  come,  tliat  while  as  it  regards  our 
natui-al  being,  we  are  as  the  flowers  of  the  field,  in  a  spiritual 
sense  we  may  be  trees  in  the  garden  of  the  church  here,  and 
plants  in  the  paradise  above,  whose  beauty  and  fragrance 
shall  praise  tlie  Almiglity ;  and  being  free  from  noxious 
vapors,  blasting  winds,  chilhng  frosts,  and  burning  heat,  we 
shall  bloom  with  the  freshness  of  immortality,  beside  the  river 
of  life. 


120  CASTING    OUR    CARE    UPON    GOD.' 

APRIL    25. 

CASTING  OUR  CARE  UPON  GOD. 

"  Casting  all  your  care  upon  him  ;  for  he  careth  for  you."  —  1  Pet.  v.  7. 

HoAy  liigWy  privileged  is  the  Christian  !  If  his  sins  are 
many  and  great,  he  receives  pardon  ;  if  his  sorrows  are  heavy, 
his  supports  are  divine ;  if  his  wants  are  numerous,  his  re- 
sources are  infinite;  if  his  cares  are  trying,  his  relief  is  insured; 
and  there  is  one  above  that  careth  for  him.     Note  here, 

A  TRUTH  IMPLIED.     This  is  three-fold. 

Each  one  has  his  oivn  peculiar  care.  It  is  said,  "  your 
care."  We  are  best  acquainted  with  that  which  forms  our 
own  thorn  in  the  flesh,  for  "  the  heart  knoweth  its  own  bitter- 
ness." Our  Saviour  enjoins  us  to  take  up  our  cross,  plainly 
implying  that  there  is  a  particular  one  appointed  for  each  of 
his  disciples. 

This  care  is  various.  "  All  your  care."  How  diversified 
are  the  subjects  of  our  care  and  solicitude !  They  refer  to 
our  state  before  God  —  our  condition  in  the  world  —  our  plans 
and  projects  in  business  —  our  families,  connections,  and  rel- 
atives, and  the  cause  of  Christ. 

It  is  too  great  for  us  to  bear  alone.  Therefore  it  is  to  be 
cast  on  God.  Human  nature  is  weak,  and  our  graces  ai-e  im- 
perfect; amidst  the  numerous  cares  that  press  on  us,  we 
should  sink,  but  underneath  are  the  everlasting  arms. 

A  DUTY  ENJOINED.  "  Casting  all  your  care  upon  him." 
How  is  this  to  be  done  ?  By  acknowledging  your  weakness  — 
relying  on  his  power — hoping  in  his  mercy,  and  pleading  his 
promises.  "  Praying  and  believing,"  says  Leighton,  "  are 
the  hands  by  which  the  soul  can  tum  over  to  God  what  it 
cannot  bear." 

The  ENCOURAGEMENT  GIVEN.  "  He  careth  for  you." 
Four  things  prove  this. 

The  gracious  ivorJc  he  has  performed  in  you.  Could  he 
furnish  you  with  a  greater  evidence  of  his  love  than  by  im- 
planting his  grace  in  your  hearts  ? 

The  past  kindness  he  has  shown  yoti.  In  your  wanderings 
he  has  brought  you  back  —  in  you  trials  he  has  supported 
you ;  when  clouds  of  guilt  and  fear  overcast  your  sky,  he 
dispersed  them,  and  shone  upon  you  with  his  radiant  beams. 

The  present  comforts  he  confers  on  you.  He  gives  you  the 
olive-branch  of  peace,  which  calms  you  in  the  almost  over- 
whelming deluge  of  human  life ;  he  plants  the  tree  of  hope 


COMING    TO    CHRIST.  121 

in  the  very  bosom  of  despondency  ;  and  causes  the  flower  of 
joy  to  bloom,  among  the  thorns  and  briars  of  tlie  wilderness. 
The  future  prospects  he  has  set  before  you.  He  not  only 
insures  you  his  presence  in  your  journey  through  the  vale  of 
life,  but  a  safe  passage  over  the  swellings  of  Jordan,  and  a 
happy  entrance  into  the  land  of  Canaan.  With  such  encour- 
agements, how  can  you  yield  to  fear  ? 


APKIL    26. 

COMING  TO  CHRIST. 

"  Come  unto  me.''  —  Matt.  xi.  28. 

Such  is  the  kind  invitation  of  the  Saviour  to  the  perishing 
sinner.     Let  us  make  three  inquiries  in  reference  to  this  act. 

To  "WHOM  AKE  AVE  TO  COME?  To  Jcsus.  Shall  We  go 
to  angels  ?  they  cannot  save  us.  To  the  law  ?  it  will  condemn 
us.     To  the  world?   it  will  deceive  us. 

By  avhat  rowER  are  we  to  come?  Not  by  our  own. 
.Tohn  vi.  44.  Who  ever  heard  of  the  frozen  heart  melting 
into  tenderness  of  itself?  or  the  dead  soul  quickening  itself  to 
spiritual  life  ?  or  the  heart  of  stone  changed  by  human  power 
into  a  heart  of  flesh  ?  The  arm  of  omnipotence  must  be  ex- 
erted, or  nothing  can  be  done  to  purpose. 

IIow  ARE  "WE  TO  COME  ?  "  They  shall  come  with  weep- 
ing, and  with  supplications  will  I  lead  them."  Jer.  xxxi.  9. 
We  must  come 

Repenting  of  our  srns.  When  the  sinner  returns,  what  is 
the  first  object  he  sees  ?  The  cross,  reminding  him  of  sin. 
What  is  the  first  influence  he  realizes?  The  S[)irit  convinc- 
ing him  of  sin.  AVhat  is  the  first  desire  he  expresses? 
''  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner." 

Praying  for  Diercy.  Prayer  is  the  effect  of  repentance, 
and  repentance  is  the  origin  of  prayer.  There  is  an  intimate 
connection  between  believing,  repenting,  and  praying ;  faith 
sees,  repentance  mourns,  prayer  speaks :  faith  may  be  com- 
pared to  the  eye,  repentance  to  the  heart,  and  prayer  to  the 
mouth ;  thus  faith  beholds  the  Saviour,  repentance  mourns 
for  him,  and  prayer  applies  to  him.  IIow  distinguished  are 
the  joys  and  privileges  to  be  realized  by  those  who  have 
come  to  Christ !  Those  who  draw  near  to  him  with  weeping 
and  prayer  on  earth,  shall  approach  him  with  songs  of  triumph 
in  heaven. 

11 


122  DIVINE   IMMUTABILITY. 

APRIL    27. 

DIVINE  IMMUTABILITY. 

"  But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  everlasting  to  everlasting  upon  them  that  fear 
him,  and  his  righteousness  unto  ciiildren's  children  ;  to  such  as  keep  his  covenant, 
and  to  those  that  remember  his  commandments  to  do  them."  —  Psalm  ciii.  17,  18. 

The  two  preceding  verses  led  us  to  the  contemplation  of 
the  frailty  of  human  life,  but  this  passage  invites  us  to  the 
consideration  of  a  more  pleasing  subject,  connected  with  the 
unchangeable  nature  of  the  Divine  Being.     Note 

Divine  immutability.  The  mercy  of  the  Lord  may  be 
viewed 

In  its  antiquity.  "  From  everlasting."  The  first  link  of 
our  salvation  is  concealed  in  the  mysterious  clouds  of  eternity 
past,  and  the  last  link  of  it  is  hidden  in  the  unseen  glories  of 
eternity  to  come ;  but  the  chain  of  connection  is  beautifully 
discovered  in  the  effectual  calling,  gracious  change,  and  happy 
experience  of  the  believer.  While,  therefore,  we  refresh 
ourselves  beside  the  living  streams  of  divine  mercy,  let  us 
endeavor  to  trace  this  mighty  river  to  its  source,  and  that  we 
shall  find  in  the  bosom  of  the  eternal  God. 

In  its  freeness.  "  It  is  mercy,"  an  act  of  free  favor  and 
grace.  This  is  the  very  charactei-istic  of  the  Gospel.  If  we 
are  saved,  it  cannot  be  by  the  price  of  human  merit,  but  the 
pure  work  of  sovereign  mercy. 

In  its  duration.  "  To  everlasting."  The  fabric  reared  by 
human  merit  must  be  demolished  and  crumble  into  ruins, 
while  mercy  is  built  up  for  ever.  It  shall  be  perpetuated  to 
the  last  moment  of  time,  and  run  parallel  with  the  longest 
line  of  eternity. 

In  its  subjects.  They  are  described  in  three  ways.  By 
their  fear  of  God.  This  fear  is  a  gracious  and  fihal  princi- 
ple ;  a  disposition  of  mind  both  commanded  and  commended 
in  the  Scripture.  By  their  faithfulness  to  his  covenant,  that 
is,  the  covenant  of  grace  which  God  has  made  with  them, 
and  revealed  to  them  in  its  promises,  privileges,  and  perpetu- 
ity. They  keep  it  in  their  thoughts  by  meditating  on  it,  in 
their  hearts  by  loving  it,  and  in  their  desires  by  longing  to 
know  more  of  it.  By  their  fulfilment  of  his  commands.  Thus 
we  see  that  real  religion  will  always  have  its  practical  influ- 
ence on  its  possessor.  God's  righteousness  is  here  said  to  be 
upon  their  children's  children,  "  that  is,"  says  Henry,  "  if  they 
tread  in  the  steps  of  their  predecessor's  piety."     I  have  been 


RENEWAL    OF    STRENGTH.  123 

beside  the  banks,  admiring  the  streams  of  this  river  of  divine 
mercy ;  but  have  I  plunged  into  it  ?  I  have  gazed  on  the  fair 
and  beautiful  flowers  of  divine  promises  ;  but  have  I  plucked 
them  with  the  hand  of  faith  ?  I  have  listened  to  the  exper- 
ience of  those  who  have  tasted  divine  love ;  but  can  I  say,  "  I 
obtained  mercy  "  ? 


APRIL   28. 

theT  renewal  of  strength. 

"  Bnt  they  that  wait  upon  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength."  —  Isa.  xl.  31. 

In  traversing  the  field  of  Scripture,  we  cannot  but  observe 
how  beautifully  the  promises  are  blended  with  the  precepts, 
entwined  like  ivy  around  the  oak.  We  have  an  instance  be- 
fore us.     Note 

The  nature  of  the  duty  required.     Waiting  on  God. 

What  does  it  imj)ly  ?  A  spiritual  knowledge  of  him.  This 
is  indispensable  ;  because  we  cannot,  with  any  suitable  or 
solemn  feelings,  wait  on  God,  if  we  are  not  savingly  acquaint- 
ed with  him.  It  supposes  free  access  to  him,  and  this  is 
gained  by  virtue  of  the  glorious  person  and  finished  Avork  of 
our  Mediator. 

What  does  it  include  ?  How  are  we  to  wait  upon  him?  In 
the  performance  of  Christian  duties,  in  the  closet,  at  the  fam- 
ily altar,  the  sanctuary,  and  in  all  appointed  means.  In  the 
exercise  of  Christian  graces.  This  regards  more  peculiarly 
the  manner  of  our  waiting  on  him.  Let  it  be  on  the  princi- 
ple of  faith,  with  humble  dependence,  ardent  love,  holy  de- 
sires, and  watchful  patience,  and  it  shall  not  be  in  vain. 

The  extent  of  the  promise  given.     Observe 

The  supposition.  The  decline  of  strength  is  evidently  im- 
plied, or  there  would  be  no  occasion  for  its  renewal.  And 
where  is  the  Christian  who  has  not  felt  this  ?  How  soon  does 
our  strength  fail  in  duty,  difllculties,  or  danger! 

The  statetnent.  They  shall  renew  their  strength,  or  they 
shall  change  it,  as  the  word  may  be  rendered.  Thus  they  are 
said  to  go  from  strength  to  strength.  God  insures  to  his  peo- 
ple enough  in  hand  for  j)resent  use ;  but  the  stock  is  laid  up 
in  him,  not  in  them:  this  keeps  them  humble,  watchful,  and 
])raycrful.  The  source  from  whence  fresh  supplies  are  to  be 
obtained  is  always  open ;  so  that  we  may  be  strong  in  the 
Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might. 


124  CONTENDING    FOIl    THE    FAITH. 

APRIL    29. 

CONTENDING  FOR  THE   FAITH. 

"  Ye  should  earnestly  contend  for  the  faith  once  deUvered  unto  the  saints."  —  Jude  3. 

In  the  early  ages  of  Christianity,  when  there  were  such 
numerous  efforts  made  for  the  overthrow  of  the  Gospel,  it 
became  necessary  for  those  who  espoused  the  sacred  cause,  to 
show  themselves  to  be  bold  champions  for  the  truth,  and  go 
forth  sword  in  hand  against  the  enemy.  The  same  opposition 
to  the  truth  still  exists,  though  displayed  in  a  different  way ; 
and  the  same  spirit  of  fortitude  is  still  demanded  in  the  fol- 
lower of  Christ. 

Let  us  explain  the  term.  "  The  faith ; "  it  here  de- 
notes the  system  of  the  Gospel.  See  Rom.  iii.  31.  Gal.  iii. 
23.  It  must  be  embraced  in  faith :  there  is  nothing  in  it 
against  the  principles  of  reason,  but  much  above  its  grasp. 
The  misery  of  man  proves  the  necessity  of  the  Gospel ;  the 
work  of  Christ  exhibits  the  substance  of  the  Gospel;  the  in- 
fluences of  the  Spirit  secure  the  application  of  the  Gospel ; 
and  the  glories  of  heaven  are  the  results  of  the  Gospel. 

Let  us  examine  the  fact.  "  This  faith  was  once  de- 
livered unto  the  saints."     This  intimates 

Its  authority.  It  was  delivered  by  a  Divine  hand ;  fre- 
quently in  the  promises,  symbolically  in  the  types,  jiropheti- 
cally  in  the  predictions,  actually  in  the  person  of  Christ,  and 
supernaturally  by  the  inspiration  of  the  Spirit. 

Its  sufficiency.  It  was  "  once  "  delivered  to  the  saints,  that 
is,  once  for  all.  "We  are  to  expect  no  other  revelation  from 
God ;  the  period  of  the  Gospel  dispensation  is  called  "  the 
last  days."  Christ  was  "  once  "  offered,  and  "  once  "  entered 
into  the  holy  place. 

Let  us  enforce  the  duty.  "  Ye  should  earnestly  con- 
tend."    Contemplate 

Its  nature.  You  must  be  ready  to  confess  it,  careful  to  evi- 
dence it,  zealous  to  promote  it,  and  willing  to  suffer  for  it. 

Its  spirit.  It  must  be  earnestly,  with  Christian  zeal ;  chari- 
tably, with  Christian  love;  and  seasonably,  with  Christian 
prudence. 

"  Faith  is  the  Christian's  proj), 
Whercou  his  sorrows  lean." 


JESUS  A  riuxcE.  125 

APRIL    30. 

JESUS  A  PKINCE. 

"  The  Prince  of  Peace."  —  Isa.  ix.  6. 

Til  EKE  are  mysteries  in  the  things  of  God,  which  we  can- 
not comprehend  in  our  present  state  of  weakness  and  imper- 
fection ;  we  must  therefore  wait  tiH  we  see  them  in  the  light 
of  eternity.  The  incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God  is  one  of  these. 
"Well  might  the  prophet  designate  him  as  the  "  Wonderful." 

"  The  cross,  tlie  manger,  and  the  tin-one, 
Are  big  with  wonders  yet  unknown." 

Let  us  contemplate  the  Redeemer  in 
His  CHARACTER  AS  A  Prixce.  We  may  notice 
The  dignity  of  his  person.  This  will  appear  if  we  consider 
who  he  is  ;  that  he  is  possessed  of  essential  Godhead ;  and 
that  the  various  attributes  ascribed  to  Jehovah  belong  equally 
to  him.  AVe  see  in  him  God  in  our  nature,  and  God  on  our 
side. 

The  nature  of  his  qualifications.  There  are  many  things 
necessary  in  order  to  make  a  good  prince.  If  wisdom  is  re- 
quired, our  Saviour  has  it ;  for  "  in  him  are  hid  all  the  trea- 
sures of  wisdom  and  knowledge."  His  power  is  unlimited. 
He  has  a  power  essential  to  him  as  God,  and  delegated  to  him 
as  Mediator,  Justice  is  requisite  in  the  administration  of 
the  affixirs  of  a  kingdom.  "Justice  and  judgment  are  the 
habitation  of  his  throne."  His  might  and  majesty  are  tem- 
pered with  mildness  and  mercy  ;  lo\e  is  the  sceptre  \vith 
which  he  rules. 

The  extent  of  his  do^ninion.  The  sway  of  earthly  kings  is 
limited,  but  the  kingdom  of  tliis  prince  ruleth  over  all.  Solo- 
mon's territories  were  large,  but  those  of  his  great  Antitype 
have  no  bounds.  All  in  heaven,  earth,  and  hell,  are  subject 
to  him.  The  angels  of  God  worship  him,  and  redeemed  spi- 
rits in  glory  fall  down  before  him. 

2'he  greatness  of  his  honors.  He  is  clotlicd  with  light  and 
majesty,  seated  on  a  glorious  throne,  surrounded  by  myriads 
who  are  sliouting  his  praise ;  the  sceptre  of  authority  is  in  his 
hand,  a  crown  of  unrivaled  S[)lendor  is  on  his  head,  and  a 
royal  law  goes  forth  out  of  his  mouth.  Have  I  bowed  the 
knee  before  the  Prince  of  Peace,  and  am  I  willing  to  be  his 
obedient  subject  ? 

11* 


126  JESUS    THE    PRINCE    OF   PEACE. 

MAT    1. 

JESUS  THE  PRINCE  OF  PEACE. 

"  The  Prince  of  Peace."  —  Isa.  ix.  6. 

Reconciliation  to  God  is  the  great  blessing  proclaimed 
in  the  Gospel ;  this  is  effected  bj  him  whom  we  shall  now 
consider  in 

His  title  as  the  Prince  of  Peace.  Let  us  advert 
to  four  things  respecting  him  which  accord  with  this  name. 

The  disposition  he  manifests.  It  is  that  of  peace.  His 
severity  was  mingled  with  tenderness ;  as  has  been  well  ob- 
served, like  the  thunder-storm,  which,  having  discharged  its 
bolt  at  the  earth,  weeps  itself,  exhausts  Itself  in  a  healing 
shower,  which  closes  the  rent  it  had  made ;  so  the  pity  of  Je- 
sus commiserates  and  pours  itself  forth  over  those  whom  in 
the  same  breath  he  had  felt  himself  called  on  to  rebuke. 
He  who  is  "  the  lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,"  to  his  enemies,  is 
"  the  Lamb  of  God,"  to  his  friends.  View  him  from  the  com- 
mencement to  the  termination  of  his  course  of  humility,  trial, 
provocation,  and  sufferings  here,  and  does  not  every  look, 
word,  and  act,  justify  the  propriety  of  Ihe  title  which  dis- 
tinguishes him  as  the  Prince  of  Peace  ?  The  image  of  Christ's 
person  is  a  Lamb ;  the  emblem  of  his  Spirit,  a  dove ;  and  the 
character  of  his  kingdom,  peace  and  righteousness. 

The  work  he  perfortned.  He  came  to  make  peace.  Sin 
has  caused  war  between  heaven  and  earth,  and  set  the  crea- 
ture and  the  Creator  at  variance.  Peace  could  not  be  pro- 
claimed on  earth,  till  sin  the  cause  of  war  was  expiated. 

The  Hngdom  he  established.  It  is  founded  in  peace.  The 
most  striking  images  ai'e  employed  to  show  the  peaceful  na- 
ture of  the  empire  of  grace.  The  Gospel  is  a  system,  which, 
when  it  is  sincerely  believed,  and  effectually  applied  to  the 
soul,  reconciles  men  to  God  and  to  one  another. 

The  subjects  he  governs.  They  are  the  sons  of  peace,  called 
into  a  state  of  peace,  governed  by  peaceful  laws,  required  to 
cultivate  peaceful  tempers,  realizing  peaceful  enjoyments,  and 
bound  for  a  peaceful  kingdom. 

"  Behold  the  Prince  of  Peace, 
The  chosen  of  the  Lord." 


THE    UNDEFILED    IN    THE    WAT.  127 

MAY    2. 

THE  UNDEFILED  IN  THE   WAY. 

"  Blessed  are  the  undefiled  in  the  way,  who  walk  in  the  law  of  the  Lord." 
I'salm  cxix.  1. 

Tnis  verse  is  full  of  interesting  matter  for  our  reflection, 
and  will  lead  us  to  contem2:)late  the  Christian  in  three  ways  ; 
what  he  is,  what  he  does,  and  what  he  enjoys  ;  or,  his  charac- 
ter, conduct,  and  comfort. 

What  ue  is.  "  Undefiled  in  the  way."  This  is  not  to  be 
taken  in  its  literal  acceptation,  but  with  certain  limitations. 
Who  can  say,  "  My  heart  is  clean  ?  "  Believers  are  undefiled 
in  two  senses. 

A  spotless  righteousness  is  imputed  to  them.  There  is  no 
other  way  in  which  they  can  stand  accepted  in  the  sight  of 
a  holy  God.  There  is  a  transfer  of  the  obedience  and  satis- 
faction of  Christ  to  the  sinner's  account. 

A  holy  jjrinciple  is  implanted  in  them.  Thus,  "  if  any  man 
be  in  Christ,"  there  is  a  change  of  state  by  virtue  of  the  Re- 
deemer's imputed  righteousness ;  "  he  is  a  new  creature," 
there  is  a  change  of  nature  and  disi)osition,  by  the  renewing 
of  the  Spirit.  This  sanctifying  principle  developes  itself  in  a 
holy  and  consistent  practice. 

What  he  does.     "  He  walks  in  the  law  of  the  Lord." 

His  way.  It  is  a  peculiar,  pleasant,  safe,  and  honorable 
course.  He  is  guided,  not  by  human  traditions,  but  by  the 
Divine  testimony  ;  not  by  the  glimmering  taper  of  reason,  but 
by  the  glorious  Sun  of  Revelation.  All  who  are  saved  by 
God's  grace  must  be  governed  by  his  laws. 

His  walk.  He  is  not  merely  said  to  be,  or  to  stand,  but  to 
walk  in  God's  law  ;  this  implies  life,  activity,  and  progression. 

What  he  enjoys.  A  blessing  is  pronounced  on  him.  He 
is  blessed  with  the  spirit  of  God  to  put  him  in  the  way,  the 
wisdom  of  God  to  direct  him  in  the  way,  the  power  of 
God  to  keep  him  in  the  way,  and  the  grace  of  God  to  comfort 
him  in  the  way. 

"  He  Avaits  in  secret  on  his  God  ; 
His  God  in  secret  sees ; 
Let  earth  be  all  in  aiTns  al)road, 
He  dwells  in  heavenly  peace." 


128  KNOWING  THE  JOYFUL  SOUND. 

MAT  3. 

KNOWING  THE  JOYFUL   SOUND. 

"  Blessed  is  the  people  that  know  the  joyful  sound :  they  shall  walk,  0  Lord  !  in  the 
light  of  thy  countenance.  In  thy  name  shall  they  rejoice  all  the  day  ;  and  in  thy 
righteousness  shall  they  be  exalted."  —  Psahn  Ixxxix.  15, 16. 

By  "  the  joyful  sound,"  we  are,  doubtless,  to  understand 
the  Gospel.     Three  things  may  be  here  noticed  respecting  it. 

The  tidings  it  proclaims.     It  is  the  sound  of 

Reconciliation  to  the  enemy.  There  is  war  between  heaven 
and  earth,  God  and  man  ;  man  is  the  rebel ;  a  treaty  of  peace 
is  devised,  arranged,  and  concluded,  and  it  is  made  known  in 
the  Gospel,  the  language  of  which  is,  "  Be  ye  reconciled  to 
God." 

Freedom  to  the  slave.  What  joy  must  have  prevailed  among 
the  Jews,  when  the  year  of  jubilee  returned,  and  the  captives 
were  set  at  liberty !  You  read  an  interesting  account  of  it  in 
Lev.  XXV.  8  —  17.  0  how  glorious  is  the  jubilee  of  the  Gos- 
pel! 

Welcome  to  the  prodigal.  Sinners,  you  have  wandered  from 
the  paternal  roof;  your  heavenly  Father  might  injustice  for- 
ever discard  you,  but  m  mercy  he  calls  you  home :  how  many 
times  has  he  sent  after  you,  and  you  have  refused  to  go ! 

The  attention  it  demands.  You  mu.st  "  know  the  joy- 
ful sound."     What  is  implied  in  this  ? 

It  is  clearly  to  distinguish  it.  There  is  a  'great  difference 
between  hearing  and  knowing  it.  Thei'e  must  be  a  spiritual 
perception  of  it,  enabling  us  to  judge  and  discern  between 
truth  and  error. 

It  is  cordially  to  approve  of  it.  The  word  knowledge  is 
often  used  to  denote  approbation.  Christ  will  say  at  the  last 
day  to  the  ungodly,  "  I  know  you  not ;  "  that  is,  I  do  not  ap- 
prove of  you.     Believers  "  approve  things  that  are  excellent." 

It  is  spiritually  to  receive  it.  The  Gospel  must  be  embraced 
with  the  warmest  affections  of  the  heart. 
•    The   blessings   it  insures.     Tranquillity  in  his  favoi*, 
joy  in  his  name,  dignity  in  his  righteousness.     May  the  Gos- 
pel not  only  reach  my  ear,  but  penetrate  my  heart ! 

"  0  happy  souls,  that  know  the  sonnd. 
Celestial  light  their  steps  surround." 


THE   TIMES    OF    IGNORANCE.  129 

MAY    4. 

THE  TIMES   OF  IGNORANCE. 

"  And  the  times  of  this  ignorance  God  winked  at."  —  Acts  xvii.  30. 

The  chapter  from  Avhicli  this  passage  is  selected,  contains 
Paul's  impressive  and  fliithful  sermon  to  the  philosophers  at 
Athens.     We  are  led  to  contemplate 

The  condition  of  the  Gentile  world,  previous  to 
THE  GOSPEL  DISPENSATION.     Two  things  are  mentioned. 

Ifjnorance  on  the  part  of  man.  The  knowledge  of  God  is 
the 'foundation  of  religion,  but  the  Gentile  nations  were  desti- 
tute of  this.  Look  at  tlie  state  of  Athens,  as  here  described. 
Paul  did  not  visit  that  great  city  to  amuse  himself  with  the 
many  objects  of  interest  it  presented  to  his  view  ;  the  archi- 
tectural grandeur  of  the  temples,  the  magnificence  of  the  build- 
ings, the  beautiful  paintings  and  images,  the  finest  productions 
of^art  and  science ;  he  had  a  nobler  end  in  view.  To  wit- 
ness men  possessing  such  stores  of  learning,  surpassing  all 
around  them  in  intellectual  attainments,  falling  down  to  wor- 
ship idols  erected  by  themselves,  was  to  him  a  heart-rending 
scene,  and  "his  spirit  was  stirred  within  liim."  The  idols 
were  so  numerous  at  Athens,  that  it  was  said  to  be  easier  to 
find  a  god  than  a  man  there.  He  wished  to  give  them  the 
light  of  the  Gospel,  which  would  eclipse  the  glimmering  taper 
which  burnt  in  the  schools  of  philosophy.  Wherever  a  Di- 
vine revelation  has  not  come,  there  are  times  of  ignorance. 

Forbearance  on  the  part  of  God.  He  winked  at  these 
times  :  let  us  not  mistake  here ;  it  does  not  intimate  that  he 
connived  at  sin.  The  Greek  word  signifies  to  look  over ;  and 
the  celebrated  Howe  paraphrases  it,  "  The  beams  of  his  eye 
did  in  a  manner  shoot  over  it."  While  the  Jews,  as  his  fa- 
vorite and  peculiar  people,  had  the  Divine  oracles,  God  suf- 
fered "  all  nations  to  walk  in  their  own  ways."  When  we 
look  at  the  past  and  present  state  of  the  heathen  world,  sunk 
in  ignorance,  superstition,  and  idolatry,  we  find  ourselves  in 
a  labyrinth,  from  which  the  powers  of  reason  cannot  extri- 
cate us,  a  depth  which  mortal  lines  cannot  fathom,  and  a 
problem  not  to  be  .solved  by  human  calculation.  Let  faith 
stand  and  adore  the  sovereignty  of  the  great  Eternal,  and 
patience  wait  for  the  light  of  immortality,  to  reveal  to  us 
more  fully  and  clearly  the  ways  of  God  to  man. 


130  UNIVERSAL  COMMAND    TO    REPENTANCE. 

MAY   5. 

THE  UNIVERSAL  COMMAND  TO  REPENTANCE. 

"  But  now  commandetli  all  men  everywhere  to  repent."  —  Acts  rvii.  30. 

Having  taken  a  glance  at  the  condition  of  the  world  pre- 
vious to  the  coming  of  Christ,  let  us  now  look  at 

The  state  of  things  after  the  introduction  of 
THE  Gospel.  The  heralds  of  salvation  are  to  go  forth  into 
all  parts  of  the  habitable  globe,  and  exhort  all  mankind  to 
repentance.     Note 

Its  nature.  There  are  two  sorts  of  repentance,  legal  and 
evangelical :  the  one  arises  from  a  fear  of  hell,  the  other  from 
a  love  of  holiness ;  the  one  refers  to  some  particular  crimes, 
the  other  to  all  sin ;  the  one  is  by  fits  and  starts,  the  other  is 
gradual  and  increasing  ;  the  one  is  like  the  pouring  down  of 
water  from  a  cloud  in  a  storm,  the  other  is  like  the  gentle 
but  perpetual  flowing  of  a  fountain.  Genuine  repentance 
includes  the  conviction  of  the  conscience,  the  contrition  of  the 
heart,  the  confession  of  the  mouth,  and  the  conversion  of  the 
life. 

Its  necessity.  We  must  repent  to  testify  our  obedience  to 
God,  to  show  our  hatred  to  sin  ;  for  the  reception  of  pardon, 
and  for  deliverance  from  hell.  Those  who  do  not  sorrow  for 
sin  here,  must  weep  because  of  it  hereafter ;  if  you  have  not 
repentance  unto  life,  you  must  have  sorrow  unto  death. 

Its  extent :  "  all  men  everywhere."  Sin  has  infected  every 
part  of  the  world,  therefore  all  need  salvation  ;  it  has  been 
committed  by  every  man,  therefore  all  are  commanded  to  re- 
pent. Matthew  Henry  calls  this  "  the  practical  part  of  Paul's 
sermon  before  the  university." 

Its  time  :  "  now,"  in  the  Christian  era  ;  now,  at  the  pres- 
ent period ;  now,  while  God  is  waiting  to  be  gracious,  and 
Jesus  welcomes  you,  and  the  Spirit  bids  you  come,  and  the 
Gospel  warns  you  of  delay,  and  ministers  entreat  you,  and  the 
church  is  ready  to  rejoice  over  you,  and  evil  spirits  are 
watching  you,  and  angels  long  to  strike  their  harps  anew  on 
your  return  to  your  heavenly  Father.  The  cloud  that  hangs 
over  us,  which  the  frequent  vapors  of  our  sins  have  made, 
except  it  dissolve,  and  fall  down  again  in  sweet  showers  of 
godly  tears,  is  reserved  to  be  the  matter  of  a  dreadful  storm. 


MANNA    TYPICAL    OF    CHRIST.  131 

MAT    G. 

MANNA  TYPICAL  OF  CHRIST. 

"  And  the  house  of  Israel  called  the  name  thereof  llanna  :  and  it  was  like  corian- 
der seed,  white  ;  and  the  taste  of  it  was  like  wafers  made  with  honey."  —  Esod.  xvi.  31. 

"We  cannot  read  the  Scriptures  with  attention  without  per- 
ceiving the  striking  analogy  there  is  between  the  types  of 
the  law,  and  the  truths  of  the  Gospel.  There  is  something 
very  remarkable  in  the  manna  being  sent  down  from  heaven 
on  the  Israelites,  and  notwithstanding  their  rebellion  against 
God,  continuing  with  them  till  they  arrived  in  the  promised 
land.     In  what  respects  was  it  typical  of  Christ  ? 

In  its  cOLOn.  It  was  white  ;  this  was  emblematical  of 
the  purity  of  Christ's  nature,  his  spotless  perfection,  and  the 
holiness  of  his  heart  and  life.  His  life  was  .a  perfect  trar^s- 
cript  of  the  law  of  God,  and  every  pure  and  holy  action 
flowed  unsullied  from  his  heart,  as  water  from  a  crystal  foun- 
tain. 

In  its  quality.  "  The  taste  of  it  was  like  wafers  made 
with  honey."  It  required  no  other  ingredients  to  make  it 
palatable :  is  it  not  so  with  the  spiritual  manna  ?  Christ  and 
his  blessings  require  nothing  beside  to  recommend  them  to 
our  spiritual  taste.  How  sweet  his  name  !  "  it  is  as  ointment 
poured  forth  ; "  his  presence  how  cheering !  it  sheds  a  holy 
fragi-ance  through  the  church  above  and  below  ;  how  sweet 
liis  promises,  as  they  centre  in  him !  how  sweet  his  word 
and  ordinances,  when  by  them  we  can  with  joy  draw  water 
out  of  the  wells  of  salvation  ! 

In  its  abundance.  Upwards  of  a  million  fed  upon  it  in 
the  wilderness ;  there  was  no  scarcity,  but  an  ample  supply 
for  all.  How  beautifully  this  illustrates  the  fulness  of  Christ ! 
Who  ever  made  application  to  him,  and  was  sent  away 
empty  ?  In  him  there  is  a  fulness  of  grace,  wisdom,  know- 
ledge, pardon,  and  glory. 

In  its  descent.  It  fell  from  heaven  round  about  the 
camp  when  the  dew  descended.  Christ  is  the  living  bread 
sent  down  from  heaven ;  he  descends  like  dew  n])on  the  new- 
mown  grass.  It  was  sent  at  a  seasonable  period,  when  they 
were  ready  to  fiimish,  and  Jesus  came  in  '*  due  time,"  to  be 
a  ransom  for  lost  sinners. 


132         THE  CEASING  OF  THE  MANNA. 
MAY  7. 

THE  CEASING  OF  THE  MANNA. 

"  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  eat  manna  forty  years,  until  they  came  to  a  land 
inhabited  ;  they  did  eat  manna,  until  they  came  unto  the  borders  of  the  land  of  Ca- 
naan." —  Exod.  xvi.  35. 

It  is  highly  intei'esting  and  instructive  to  trace  the  resem- 
blance that  exists  between  the  types  and  figures  of  the  cere- 
monial dispensation,  and  Jesus  the  great  antitype ;  the  Old 
and  New  Testament  must  therefore  be  read  in  connection,  as 
tending  to  throw  a  light  on  each  other.  Let  us  once  more 
consider  the  manna  as  typical  of  Christ. 

In  its  freeness.  It  was  sent  that  all  the  Israelites  might 
avail  themselves  of  it,  and  have  their  hunger  satisfied ;  it 
was  free  for  all,  and  given  without  reserve.  Will  not  this 
apply  to  the  spiritual  manna  ?  Who  will  limit  the  opera- 
tions of  God's  grace  ?  Christ  must  be  exhibited  to  all  in  the 
Gospel,  because  all  need  him,  all  must  perish  without  him, 
all  are  welcome  to  him. 

In  its  gathering.  Every  man  was  to  gather  according 
to  his  eating.  So  Christ  must  be  embraced ;  there  must  be 
a  going  forth  after  him,  and  a  reception  of  his  spiritual  ben- 
efits. Its  being  daily  gathered,  denotes  our  continual  coming 
to  Christ ;  its  being  collected  in  the  morning,  the  importance 
of  an  early  dedication  to  him ;  and  its  being  found  without 
the  camp,  our  retirement  from  the  busy  scenes  of  the  world, 
and  even  domestic  intercourse,  to  commune  with  the  Re- 
deemer. 

In  the  time  of  its  continuance.  It  was  given  to  them 
during  the  time  of  their  journey  in  the  Avilderness,  forty 
years.  This  was  emblematical  of  the  continual  provision  God 
makes  for  the  spiritual  wants  of  his  people.  Year  after  year 
the  heavenly  bread  descends  ;  you  may  gather  it  in  his 
■word,  in  his  house,  and  in  his  ordinances  ;  and  while  you 
have  a  spiritual  appetite,  you  need  not  fear  a  spiritual  ftunine. 

In  the  period  of  its  ceasing.  It  did  not  cease  falling 
till  the  wandering  tribes  had  reached  tlie  promised  rest. 
When  they  tasted  the  food  of  Canaan,  then  the  supply  of 
manna  was  stopped  ;  and  when  the  Christian  pilgrim  comes 
to  the  termination  of  his  journey,  and  obtains  the  end  of  his 
faith,  then  the  means  of  grace  may  be  dispensed  with.  The 
scaffold  is  taken  down  when  the  building  is  finished  ;  and  the 
sails  are  lowered  when  the  ship  has  coine  safe  to  shore  ;  so 
there  shall  be  a  cessation  of  divine  ordinances,  Avhen  the  ulti- 
mate designs  of  God  are  accomplished   in  your  perfect  bliss, 


CONTINUAL    DEPENDENCE    ON    GOD.  133 

and  you  eat  of  the  hidden  manna  above.  God  commanded 
Moses  to  preserve  it  in  a  golden  pot,  and  deposit  it  in  the 
ark  of  the  testimony  as  a  memorial  of  his  goodness  in  future 
generations ;  so  those  who  have  experienced  the  sweetness  of 
Christ  should  tell  it  to  others,  even  to  the  generations  follow- 
ing. As  the  manna  was  despised,  so  now  is  the  heavenly 
food.     Let  us  pray, 

"  Bread  of  heaven,  feed  me  till  I  ■want  no  more." 


MAY  8. 
CONTINUAL  DEPENDENCE  ON  GOD. 

"  Then  said  tlie  Lord  unto  Moses,  Behold  I  will  rain  bread  from  heaTen  for  you, 
and  the  people  shall  go  out  and  gather  a  certain  rate  everj'  day." —  Exod.  xvi.  i. 

The  things  that  occurred  in  the  history  of  the  Israelites 
were  designed  for  our  instruction  and  improvement.  From 
this  miraculous  provision  made  by  the  Almighty  for  them,  let 
us  mal-ce  three  observations. 

In  trying  circumstances  we  should  trust  in  God. 
As  soon  as  the  Israelites  had  crossed  the  Red  Sea,  and  es- 
caped Pharaoh  and  his  hosts,  who  were  drowned,  and  while 
the  last  notes  of  the  triumphant  song  of  Moses,  celebrated  on 
that  occasion,  had  scarcely  died  away  on  their  ears,  they  mur- 
mured ;  how  much  better  would  it  have  been  if  they  had 
prayed  ?  But  have  we  not  been  thus  guilty  ?  Though  we 
have  been  the  recipients  of  numei'ous  bounties,  have  we  not 
said  in  a  murmuring  tone,  "  Can  God  furnish  a  table  in  the  wil- 
derness ?  "  How  well  may  he  address  us,  "  O  ye  of  little  faith  !  " 

Where  we  cannot  lay  up  in  store,  we  must  be 
CONTENT  avith  DAILY  SUPPLIES.  The  camps  of  the  Israel- 
ites were  cleared  of  the  manna  in  the  evening,  not  a  crumb 
was  to  be  left,  and  they  were  to  lie  down  at  night,  reposino- 
on  the  providential  care  of  God  ;  thus  they  were  taught  a 
lesson  of  continual  dependence.  Have  we  learnt  this,  and  do 
we  feel  it  when  we  pray,  "  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  "  ? 

The  gifts  of  Providence  do  not  supersede  human 
exertions.  The  manna  fell  from  heaven,  but  not  into  their 
tents  or  into  their  mouths  —  there  was  room  for  their  dili- 
gence and  industry  in  gathering  it.  Naaman  was  commanded 
to  go  and  wash  in  Jordan  before  he  could  be  healed.  Peter's 
draught  of  fishes  must  be  dragged  to  shore.  Saul  of  Tarsus 
must  go  to  Ananias  to  be  taught.  If  in  miracles  room  was 
left  for  exertion,  how  much  more  under  ordinary  circum- 
stances in  life? 


134       CHRIST  AND  HIS  PEOPLE  A  WONDER  TO  MANY. 
MAY    9. 

CHRIST  AND  HIS  PEOPLE  A  WONDER  TO  MANY. 

"  I  am  as  a  wonder  unto  many."'  —  Psalm  xx:si.  7. 

These  words  may  be  understood  in  three  Avays  ;  literally, 
typically,  and  spiritually.     Let  us  consider  them, 

In  a  LITERAL  SENSE,    AS    THEY    WILL    APPLY    TO  DaVID. 

He  was  a  wonder  to  many  in  his  trials.  These  were  nu- 
merous and  of  various  kinds.  Some  of  his  severest  suffer- 
ings arose  from  those  who  ought  to  have  been  his  greatest 
comforts.  What  must  have  been  his  feelings  when  Absalom 
his  son  rose  up  in  rebellion  against  him  !  He  was  no  less  a 
wonder  to  many  in  his  deliverances.  God  interposed  in  a 
most  remarkable  manner  on  his  behalf.  What  a  narrow  es- 
cape was  it  when  Saul  cast  a  javelin  at  him  —  when  Absa- 
lom's conspiracy  was  frustrated,  and  Ahithopel's  counsel  came 
to  nought !  When  he  was  again  restored  to  his  kingdom  in 
peace,  he  was  a  wonder  to  many.     Look  at  the  words 

In  a  typical  reference,  as  they  will  apply  to 
Christ.  "  All  things  must  be  fulfilled,"  said  our  Saviour, 
"  which  were  M'^ritten  in  the  law  of  Moses,  and  in  the  Proph- 
ets, and  in  the  Psalms,  concerning  me."  I  would  rather  be  ac- 
cused of  finding  Christ  where  he  is  not,  than  of  not  finding  him 
where  he  is.  In  the  exposition  of  Scripture,  I  would  rather 
go  out  of  my  road  to  meet  him,  than  that  he  should  cross  my 
path,  and  I  not  see  him.  Jesus  is  a  wonder  to  many  in  the 
extent  of  his  love  —  in  the  depth  of  his  humiliation  —  in  the 
severity  of  his  sufferings  —  and  in  the  riches  of  his  grace. 
View  the  words 

In  their  spiritual  meaning,  as  they  will  apply 
TO  THE  Christian.  Joshua  and  they  that  were  Avith  him 
were  men  wondered  at ;  so  is  the  believer.  He  is  a  wonder 
to  the  woi'ld.  The  men  of  the  world  cannot  understand  the 
principles  on  Avhich  he  acts,  nor  the  motives  by  which  he  is 
influenced.  They  think  it  strange  that  he  runs  not  to  the 
same  excess  of  wickedness  as  they  do  —  that  he  finds  pleas- 
ure in  those  exercises  which  Avould  be  a  drudgery  to  them  — 
that  Jesus  whom  they  look  upon  as  a  root  out  of  a  dry  ground, 
is  to  him  the  rose  of  Sharon  and  the  lily  of  the  valley.  He 
is  a  wonder  to  himself,  when  he  thinks  of  the  change  he  has 
experienced  —  the  scenes  through  which  he  has  passed  —  the 
battles  he   has  fought  —  the  prospects  he  has  in  view.     May 


THE    CHUISTIAN'S    PEKSECUTIONS.  135 

not  the  unbeliever  adopt  the  language?  He  is  a  womler  to 
many  _  angels  wonder  at  him,  that  he  should  make  light  ot 
those  things" which  they  desire  to  look  into—  Christians  won- 
der at  hiin  —  devils  and  lost  souls  wonder  at  him :  what  would 
they  give  for  the  golden  beams  of  the  day  of  grace  ? 


MAY    10.  '^ 

THE   CHRISTIAN'S   PERSECUTIONS. 

"  And  ye  shall  be  hated  of  aU  men  for  my  name's  sake."  —  Luke  ssi.  17. 

In  the  context  our  Lord  foretells  the  destruction  of  Jerusa- 
lem, and  endeavors  to  prepare  the  minds  of  his  disciples  for 
the  perilous  times  that  were  approaching.  The  passage  pre- 
sents us  with 

A  rRoniECT.  This  refers  to  the  treatment  they  were  to 
expect  from  the  world  —  hatred. 

The  subjects.  "  Ye,"  that  is,  his  disciples  —  those  who  re- 
fuse to  serve  Satan,  and  boldly  acknowledge  Christ  as  their 
Master ;  those  who  dare  to  be  singular,  and  swim  against  the 
tide  of  evil ;  those  who  are  dissatisfied  with  the  world  for 
their  portion,  and  desire  a  better  country. 

The  hatred.  It  is  a  dislike  to  their  principles  rather  than 
their  persons  —  and  this  is  now  shown  in  a  thousand  ways  of 
private,  petty  persecution  by  individuals,  who,  if  their  power 
were  equal  to  their  inclination,  would  light  afresh  the  fires^  of 
martyrdom,  and  fill  the  prisons  and  dungeons  of  our  laud  with 
the  faithful  followers  of  Christ. 

The  ac/enis.  "  All  men,"  that  is,  those  that  are  still  at  en- 
mity with  God  ;  and  is  this  matter  of  surprise  ?  We  do  not 
wonder  at  the  ferocity  of  the  wolf  to  the  lamb,  or  of  the  hawk 
to  the  dove  ?     Why  should  we  marvel  then,  if  the  world  hate 

us  ? 

I'he  cause.  "  For  my  name's  sake."  Christians  bear  the 
name,  and  espouse  the  cause,  of  the  Redeemer  ;  and  it  is  for 
this  they  are  hated  and  opposed.  They  may  be  esteemed  and 
beloved  as  friends  and  associates  ;  but  they  are  despised  as 
the  friends  and  companions  of  Christ.  The  smiles  of  his 
countenance  will  make  amends  for  the  world's  frowns  and  tlie 
disapprobation  of  ungodly  men.  Let  us  therefore  go  forth  to 
him  without  the  camp,  bearing  his  reproach. 


136  INORDINATE    ANXIETY    FORBIDDEN. 

MAY    11. 

INORDINATE   ANXIETY  FORBIDDEN. 

"  Be  careful  for  nothing." — Phil.  iv.  6. 

What  system  but  Christianity  can  teacli  such  lessons, 
instil  such  principles,  and  hold  out  such  encouragements  ?  Did 
the  attendants  at  the  schools  of  philosophy  ever  acquire  the 
knowledge,  or  realize  the  happiness,  which  Paul  did  at  the 
feet  of  Jesus  ?  He  was  enabled  to  hold  with  a  loose  hand 
the  objects  of  this  life,  and  to  seize  with  a  firm  grasp  the 
realities  of  a  future  state.     "We  have  here 

An  EVIL  FORBIDDEN.  It  is  inordinate  anxiety.  The 
expressions  employed  in  this  passage  must  be  taken  in  their 
spirit,  rather  than  their  literal  acceptation.  While  religion  is 
far  from  teaching  us  to  cherish  a  careless  indifterence  to  our 
worldly  concerns,  it  forbids  an  over-anxious  carefulness. 
Many  considerations  should  induce  us  to  avoid  such  a  state 
of  mind.     By  it 

We  distrust  God.  He  lias  told  us  to  cast  all  our  care  upon 
him,  and  is  this  not  enough  to  satisfy  us  ?  If  w^e  indulge  in 
feelings  of  inordinate  anxiety,  we  reflect  on  his  wdsdom,  as  if 
he  did  not  know  what  was  best  for  us  —  on  his  love,  as  if 
he  would  suffer  us  to  sink  —  on  the  word  of  his  promise,  as 
if  he  would  not  fulfil  it. 

We  dishonor  religion.  Its  excellency  and  superiority  are 
discovered  in  .  the  preservation  of  the  mind  from  disti'acting 
cares  and  anxieties  ;  and  we  honor  it  and  glorify  God,  when 
we  maintain  our  Christian  calmness  and  fortitude  in  difficult 
and  trying  scenes,  spreading  our  case  before  the  Lord  ;  but  if 
we  give  way  to  despondency,  and  are  determined  to  carry  our 
own  burden,  the  enemy  will  exclaim  in  triumph,  "  Where  is 
now  their  God  ?  " 

We  disquiet  ourselves.  There  is  no  feeling  so  hurtful  to 
the  body,  or  injurious  to  the  mind,  as  a  fretful,  ill-foreboding 
disposition.  Those  who  cherish  it  have  to  contend  Avith  a 
thousand  imaginaiy  evils ;  and  are  constantly  in  fear,  where 
there  is  no  danger.  They  will  gaze  with  intense  anxiety  on 
every  little  cloud  that  gathers  around  them,  while  the  sun- 
shine of  mercies  and  favors  from  above  is  almost  unheeded. 
Let  us,  above  all  things,  be  careful  for  the  interests  of  the 
soul. 


IIABITt'AL    PHAYEU    RECOSrMENDED.  137 

MAY    12. 

HABITUAL  PRAYER  RECOMMENDED. 

"But  in  every  thinfr  by  praver  and  supplication,  with  thanksgirino:,  let  your  re- 
quests ))e  made  known  unto  God.  And  the  peace  of  God  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing, shall  keep  j  our  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus."— Phil.  iv.  6,  i. 

AVe  have  here  a  wide  field  for  our  contemplation,  and  can 
but  just  glance  at  the  numerous  objects  presented  to  our  view. 

Note 

A  DUTY  enjoined.     Prayer  is  the  best  resource  m  every 

exigency.     Consider 

Its  simple  nature.  It  is  the  making  known  of  our  requests 
unto  God.  How  numerous,  needful,  rich,  and  valuable  are 
the  blessings  for  which  we  ask  !  God  is  perfectly  acquainted 
with  those  things  that  we  require,  but  he  must  know  them 
from  us.    ~ 

Its  various  parts.  Three  terms  are  here  employed, 
"prayer,  supplication,  and  thanksgivmg :"  thus  we  are  taught 
not  only  to  deprecate  the  evils  we  Avould  avoid,  and  desire  the 
mercies  Ave  need,»  but  to  be  grateful  for  the  favors  we  have 
received. 

Its  extensive  use.  "  In  every  thing."  A  devotional  spirit 
should  pervade  all  our  ways,  and  be  connected  with  our  duties, 
trials,  enjoyments,  and  anticipations.  Our  motto  should  be, 
"  Praying  always." 

A  PKOMisi;  ADDED.  And  this  promise  is  calculated  to 
cheer  the  mind  in  the  most  trying  scenes. 

Its  character.  "  The  peace  of  God."  That  is,  a  composure 
and  tranquillity  of  mind  originating  in  our  reconciliation  to 
God ;  it  is  called  "  the  peace  of  God,"  because  his  wisdom  de- 
vised it,  his  Son  procured  it,  his  word  reveals  it,  and  his  Spirit 
conveys  it. 

Its  excellence.  "  It  passeth  all  understanding."  It  cannot 
be  fully  estimated,  though  it  is  really  enjoyed  by  the  believer. 
Eternity  will  unfold  its  richness,  and  more  clearly  manifest  its 
excellence. 

Its  effect.  "  It  shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds."  Here 
are  two  distinct  faculties,  the  affections  and  the  judgment ;  it 
centres  the  desires  of  the  heart  in  God,  and  keeps  the  mind  in 
a  right  apprehension  of  divine  things. 

Its   medium.     "  Through    Christ   Jesus ;"  that    is,  by  his 
mediation  ;  for  he  is  our  peace,  and  without  him,  God  is  a 
consuming  fire,  i-eady  to  devour  us  in  his  wrath. 
12* 


138  David's  confidence. 

MAY  13. 
DAVID'S  CONFIDENCE. 

"  The  Lord  is  my  shepherd  ;  I  shall  not  want." — Psalm  xxiii.  1. 

The  psalm  before  us  is  full  of  comfort  to  believers.  Three 
things  are  especially  mentioned:  the  provision  God  has  made 
for  them  in  life,  verses  1  —  3,  5 ;  their  protection  in  death, 
verse  4 ;  and  their  prospects  for  eternity,  verse  6. 

The  chakacters  RErnESENXED.  Believers  are  com- 
pared to  sheep.     Note 

Their  former  condition.  Once  they  wandered  from  God 
like  lost  sheep,  but  he  has  brought  them  back  to  the  fold.  By 
sin,  the  holiness,  happiness,  and  dignity  of  man  are  lost. 

Their  present  state.  They  are  redeemed  by  the  blood  of 
Christ,  sanctified  by  his  Spirit ;  and  are  expected  to  resemble 
sheep,  to  be  meek  and  gentle,  patient  and  resignexi. 

Their  sinall  mimber.  They  are  represented  as  a  little  flock, 
and  they  are  few,  compared  with  the  world  that  lieth  in 
wickedness  ;  but  there  are  other  sheep  which  must  be  brought 
into  the  fold  of  Christ. 

The  claim  asserted.  "  The  Lord  is  my  shepherd." 
The  believer  is  allowed  to  make  this  claim,  and  encourages 
himself  in  Christ  as  his  shepherd.  Contemplate  the  good- 
ness which  under  this  character  he  disjjlays,  the  knowledge 
he  possesses,  the  tenderness  he  exercises,  and  the  offices  he 
performs. 

The  confidence  expressed.  "  I  shall  not  want." 
This  may  refer  to 

Temporal  supplies.  "  Thy  bread  shall  be  given  thee,  and 
thy  water  shall  be  sure."  God  has  not  promised  us  luxurious 
delicacies,  but  the  necessaries  of  life,  and  his  special  blessing 
with  our  common  mercies. 

Spiritual  provisions.  We  cannot  want  while  such  a 
Divine  source  is  opened  for  our  supply.  In  Christ  we  have 
"  all  spiritual  blessings  ;"  and  these  are  secured  by  the  efficacy 
of  his  blood,  the  influence  of  his  Spirit,  and  the  prevalence 
of  his  intercession.  Let  my  prayer  be,  "  Tell  me,  O  thou 
whom  my  soul  loveth !  where  thou  feedest ;  where  thou  makest 
thy  flock  to  rest  at  noon." 


SALVATION    FLACKD    IN    ZION.  139 

MAY    14. 

SALVATION  PLACED  IN  ZION. 

"  I  will  place  salvation  in  Zion,  for  Israel  my  glory."  —  Isa.  xlvi.  13. 

In  reading  the  Scriptures,  we  cannot  but  remark  liow 
threatenings  and  promises,  denunciations  of  wrath,  and  inti- 
mations of  mercy,  go  together ;  so  that  while  one  part  of  the 
heavens  is  darkened  with  clouds  of  coming  judgment,  on  the 
opposite  side  is  to  be  seen  the  bow  of  mercy.  Such  a  scene 
we  have  in  the  passage  before  us  —  it  is  a  rainbow  of  promise 
in  the  cloud  of  threatening.     Notice 

A  DISTINGUISHED  PERSON.  "  Israel  my  glory."  Look  at 
each  of  the  terms  by  which  believers  are  known.  "  Israel," 
that  is,  a  prince  with  God ;  Jacob  was  so  named  because  of 
his  prevalence  in  prayer.  We  cannot  seek  better  honor  for 
ourselves  than  to  be  Israelites  indeed.  "  My  glory."  This  is 
a  wonderful  expression,  and  signifies  two  things :  God  glories 
in  his  people  —  the  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  them  that  fear 
him  ;  and  he  will  joy  over  them  with  singing.  He  is  glorified 
in  them.  All  his  perfections  are  glorified  in  the  salvation  of 
his  people.  He  is  glorified  in  their  devotedness  of  heart  and 
consecration  of  life ;  and  in  their  love,  zeal,  prayers,  and 
praises,  and  in  the  fruits  they  bring  forth  :  in  the  furnace  of 
aflfliction^  in  the  season  of  death,  and  in  the  happiness  of 
heaven,   God  is  glorified  by  his  people. 

A  DELIGHTFUL  PROMISE.     Look  at  it  in 

Its  substance.  "  Salvation."  It  includes  all  blessings  suited 
to  the  nature,  powers,  wants,  and  immortality  of  the  soul ; 
and  is  the  wonder  of  angels,  the  triumph  of  heaven,  the  scorn 
of  the  world,  the  heritage  of  the  church,  the  joy  of  the  be- 
liever, the  end  of  the  law,  and  the  substance  of  the  Gospel. 

Its  scene.  "I  will  place  salvation  in  Zion  ;"  that  is,  in  the 
church.  How  is  this  done  ?  Meritoriously  by  the  atonement 
of  the  cross.  It  was  placed  in  the  holy  land  at  the  death  of 
Christ,  and  thei'e  it  was  to  be  first  preached,  "  beginning  at 
Jerusalem."  Instrumentally  in  the  appointment  of  ordinan- 
ces. Where  the  Gospel  is  preached,  there  salvation  is  placed  ; 
be  thankful  that  it  is  placed  in  your  hearing  —  the  word  is 
nigh  thee.  Effectually  by  the  gift  of  the  Spirit :  thus  it  is 
brought  home  to  the  conscience.  May  it  be  placed  in  my 
heart  by  experience  ! 


140       THE  sinner's  bondage  and  redemption. 

MAT    15. 

THE  SINNER'S  BONDAGE   AND    REDEMPTION. 

"  Ye  have  sold  yourselves  for  nought,  and  ye  shall  be  redeemed  without  money." 
Isaiah  lii.  3. 

The  chapter  out  of  which  these  words  are  selected  has  a 
primary  reference  to  the  return  of  the  Jews  from  the  Baby- 
lonish captivity  ;  but  may  be  viewed  in  connection  with  the 
methods  of  grace  under  the  constitution  of  the  Gospel.    Note 

The  degrading  bondage  effected.  Man  is  here 
represented  as  a  willing  slave ;  and  several  things  tend  to 
show  the  aggravated  nature  of  his  crime. 

The  article.  "Yourselves;"  that  is,  the  whole  man,  both 
body  and  soul ;  the  immortal  as  well  as  the  perishable  part  of 
your  nature.  But  are  you  at  your  own  disposal  ?  Has  not 
he  who  made,  sustains,  feeds,  and  clothes  you,  the  greatest 
claim  on  you  ? 

The  act.  "  Ye  have  sold  yourselves."  Imagine  the  bar- 
barous conduct  of  Nero,  who  persecuted  the  Christians  at 
Rome,  demolished  their  temples,  plundered  their  pi-operty, 
burnt  many  of  them,  and  sold  others  as  slaves  to  their  enemies  ; 
and  all  to  feed  his  avarice,  and  gratify  his  sinful  passions. 
Do  you  not  deprecate  the  infamous  deeds  of  such  a  tyrant  ? 
Ah  !  you  have  acted  over  the  scene  with  regard  to  yourselves  ; 
you  have  done  it  willingly,  and  from  choice. 

The  unprojitaUeness.  "  For  nought."  If  an  individual 
sold  a  large  estate  for  a  mere  trifle,  his  foolish  act  would  be 
highly  censured :  this  but  faintly  sets  forth  the  folly  of  sin- 
ners in  becoming  the  willing  captives  of  their  enemies.  Sin 
is  unprofitable,  whatever  view  you  take  of  it. 

The  glorious  redemption  promised.  Every  thing 
respecting  it  is  worthy  our  attention. 

Its  fulness.  The  remedy  is  commensurate  with  the  disease. 
The  sinner  is  not  only  pardoned,  but  released ;  his  fetters  are 
broken,  his  bonds  loosed,  and  he  is  led  out  of  prison.  He  is 
not  sim^jly  delivered  from  wrath,  but  restored  to  the  Divine 
favor,  enriched  as  well  as  liberated. 

Its  fitness.  The  salvation  of  Christ  is  admirably  adapted 
to  the  state  of  man  as  a  sinful,  fallen  creature,  because  it  im- 
parts that  which  alone  can  improve  his  condition,  raise  him 
from  his  degradation,  sanctify  his  heart,  and  save  his  soul. 

Its  freeness.  "  "Without  money."  Redemption  is  a  free 
and  unmerited  act.  An  opulent  man  would  not  be  imprisoned 
for  debt ;  if  the  captive  could  i-)urchase  his  freedom,  he  would 


THE    COXVKKSION    OF    LTDIA.  141 

no  loncjer  remain  in  the  dungeon.  Our  state  is  one  of  help- 
lessness, we  have  nothing  to  pay  ;  but  Jesus  says,  "  I  have 
found  a  ransom." 

Its  perpetuity.  While  in  its  contrivance  it  issues  from  eter- 
nity past,  in  its  duration  it  extends  to  eternity  to  come.  It 
ransoms  from  everlasting  death,  and  brings  to  everlasting  life. 


MAT   16. 
THE  CONVERSION  OF  LYDIA. 

"  And  a  certain  woman  named  Lydia,  a  seller  of  purple,  of  the  city  of  Thyatira, 
which  worshipped  God,  heard  us  ;  whose  heart  the  Lord  opened,  that  she  attended 
unto  the  things  which  were  spoken  of  Paul."  —  Acts  xvi.  14. 

The  conversion  of  Lydia  may  be  further  viewed  in 
Its  NATUKE.  "  Whose  heart  the  Lord  opened."  Observe 
What  sin  has  done.  It  has  shut  the  heart  against  God. 
lie  knocks  at  the  door  of  our  hearts  in  various  ways,  by  the 
voice  of  conscience,  the  sound  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  dispen- 
sations of  Providence  ;  and  yet  we  regard  him  not,  and  are 
unwilling  to  open  to  him  till  arrested  by  his  grace,  and  efFect- 
ually  called  by  his  Spirit. 

What  grace  does.  It  opens  the  heart.  This  gives  us  a 
delightful  and  interesting  view  of  conversion.  Its  seat  is  the 
heart  —  and  its  extent  is  intimated  by  the  opening  of  the 
heart.  The  ear  may  be  opened  to  listen  to  the  Gospel,  and 
the  mouth  to  speak  of  it,  while  the  heart  is  not  opened  to 
embrace  it.  In  conversion,  the  understanding  is  opened  to 
receive  the  truth,  the  affections  are  opened  to  love  it,  the 
will  is  opened  to  obey  it,  the  memory  is  opened  to  retain  it, 
and  the  lips  are  opened  to  confess  it. 

Its  author.  "  The  Lord."  The  work  is  ascribed  to  him 
whose  power  enables,  and  whose  pity  constrains  him  to  do  it. 
Ministers  may  open  their  Divine  commission,  but  they  cannot 
open  the  hearts  of  their  hearers  to  receive  it.  We  could  as 
easily  create  a  world  as  convert  a  soul. 

Its  effects.  "  She  attended  unto  the  things  which  wex*e 
spoken  of  Paul."  What  a  beautiful  gradation  there  is 
throughout  the  little  history  of  this  saint !  She  came,  she 
heard,  she  bclieVed,  she  worshipped ;  her  heart  was  opened, 
and  her  attention  was  secured.  The  word  here  translated 
"  attended  unto,"  is  very  forcible  in  the  original,  and  signifies 
to  apply  and  take  heed  to.  The  Avay  to  hear  the  word  to 
profit,  is  to  listen  to  it  with  self-application  and  prayer. 


142  THE  CHARACTER  OF  LYDIA. 

MAT  17. 

THE  CHARACTER  OF  LYDIA. 

"  And  a  certain  woman  named  Lydia,  a  seller  of  purple,  of  the  city  of  Th3-atira, 
which  worshipped  God,  heard  us ;  whose  heart  the  Lord  opened,  that  she  attended 
unto  the  things  which  were  spoken  of  Paul."  —  Acts  xvi.  14. 

What  a  bold  champion  for  the  truth  was  the  Apostle  Paul ! 
he  was  constantly  employed  either  in  exploring  fresh  ground 
on  which  to  erect  the  standard  of  the  cross ;  or  visiting  and 
watering  the  churches  that  were  already  planted.  "We  find, 
on  his  separation  from  Barnabas,  he  takes  Silas ;  they  meet 
with  Timothy  at  Derbe ;  Luke  joins  them  at  Troas ;  and  they 
all  set  out  for  Philippi.  They  were  not  permitted  to  teach 
in  the  city,  so  they  assembled  the  people  without  its  walls. 
Here  is  a  remarkable  instance  of  success  in  the  conversion  of 
Lydia  to  God.     Many  things  deserve  our  notice  respecting  it. 

Its  subject.     She  is  described  by 

Her  name.  "  Lydia."  What  an  honor  to  have  her  name 
recorded  here  !  Though  all  saints  have  not  this  honor,  yet  they 
have  their  names  written  in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life;  and  this 
stamps  a  more  lasting  dignity  upon  them  than  if  tliey  were 
emblazoned  on  the  pages  of  history,  or  inscribed  in  the  an- 
nals of  fame. 

Her  employment.  "  A  seller  of  purple."  She  was  not  one 
of  those  women  of  whom  Paul  sjoeaks,  "  that  learn  to  be  idle, 
wandering  about  from  house  to  house."  Religion  teaches  us 
to  be  active  and  industrious  in  our  lawful  avocations  in  life, 
and  to  abide  with  God  in  our  calling.  Her  occuj)ation  was 
humble,  but  honest. 

Her  birthplace.  "  Thyatira  "  was  a  city  of  some  emin- 
ence in  Asia  Minor,  and  was  situated  at  a  very  great  distance  ■ 
from  Philippi,  where  she  now  resided,  and  carried  on  her 
trade.  We  are  not  told  why  she  left  the  place  of  her  birth  ; 
but  we  are  sure  she  did  not  regret  it,  as  she  could  trace  the 
leadings  of  a  kind  Providence  in  bringing  her  to  sit  under 
the  ministry  of  Paul. 

Her  reli gioiisp7-ofession.  "  Which  worshipped  God."  She 
was  a  moral  but  not  a  changed  character,  piously  inclined, 
but  not  a  possessor  of  piety  ;  she  worshipped  God  according 
to  the  light  she  had,  and  was  thereby  ready  for  further  dis- 
covei'ies  of  Christ  and  salvation. 

Its  means.  "  She  heard  us."  "  Faith  cometh  by  hear- 
ing." It  is  a  privilege  to  have  the  sound  of  salvation  in  the 
ear  ;  but  a  far  greater  one  to  experience  the  power  of  salva- 


THE    believer's    HERITAGE.  143 

tion  in  tlie  heart.  Lydia  heax'd  with  attention,  and  no  doubt 
with  prayex" ;  we  are  quite  sure  she  heard  with  jjleasure,  be- 
cause she  heard  with  profit. 


MAT   18. 
THE  BELIEVER'S  HERITAGE. 

"  Thy  testimonies  have  I  taken  as  an  heritage  for  ever :  for  they  are  the  rejoicing  of 
my  heart."  —  Psalm  cxix.  111. 

The  Bible  contains  the  testimony  which  God  has  given  to 
the  children  of  men.  His  name  is  inscribed  on  the  fair  vol- 
ume of  nature,  but  not  in  such  bright  and  clear  characters  as 
in  the  book  of  revelation.  We  are  peculiarly  privileged  in 
having  the  two-fold  testimony  of  the  law  and  the  Gospel. 
Let  us  imitate  David  in  the  use  he  made  of  God's  word.  Ob- 
serve 

The  excellence  of  the  Bible.  It  is  the  Clmstian's 
heritage. 

How  extensive.  All  earthly  possessions  compared  with  this, 
are  but  as  a  drop  to  the  ocean,  or  an  atom  to  the  globe.  Look 
at  the  perfections  of  God's  nature,  the  purposes  of  his  grace, 
Jhe  plans  of  his  mercy,  the  promises  of  his  word,  and  the 
provisions  of  his  covenant,  and  see  the  extent  of  the  believ- 
ei-'s  heritage. 

Hoio  secure.  Upon  all  the  glory  there  is  a  defence.  How 
remarkably  have  the  Scriptures  been  preserved  in  the  midst 
of  innumerable  efforts  to  exterminate  them  from  the  earth ;  no 
less  secure  is  the  believer's  interest  in  the  glorious  blessings 
they  reveal.     These  are  the  sure  mercies  of  David. 

How  durable.  "An  heritage  for  ever."  On  earth  we  do 
but  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  glories  of  this  inheritance,  obtain 
our  title,  and  are  preparing  for  the  period  when  death  shall 
open  the  gates,  and  we  shall  enter  on  the  full  possession  of  it. 

The  experience  of  the  believer. 

His  act.  "  Thy  testimonies  have  I  taken  as  an  heritage 
for  ever."  This  act  is  personal,  voluntary,  deliberate,  and 
wise,  and  regards  perpetuity.  If  we  would  extract  sweet- 
ness from  the  Scriptures,  we  must  not  merely  read  them,  but 
take  them  and  bind  them  around  our  heart.  It  is  not  the 
bee's  touching  of  the  flowers  that  gathers  honey,  but  her 
abiding  on  them,  and  drawing  out  the  sweet. 

His  joy.  "  For  they  are  the  rejoicing  of  my  heart."  All 
that  have  cordially  received  and  experimentally  felt  them, 
will  find  this  to  be  the  case. 


144  BEHOLDING    THE    GOODNESS    OF    GOD. 

MAY    19. 

BEHOLDING  THE  GOODNESS  OF  GOD. 

"  I  bad  fainted,  unless  I  had  believed  to  see  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the 
living." — Psahn  xxvii.  13. 

Calvin  calls  the  Psalms  tlie  anatomy  of  the  soul  —  they 
lay  open  the  thoughts,  feehngs,  inward  workings  and  desires 
of  the  believei''s  heart ;  and  describe  very  accurately  our  joys 
and  sorrows,  hopes  and  fears.  They  may  be  compared  to  a 
mirror  in  which  we  may  beliold  our  own  resemblance.  In 
this  passage  observe 

The  scenes  of  distress  alluded  to.  They  were 
such  as  were  ready  to  make  him  faint.  "We  have  heard  of  the 
afflictions  of  David,  and  how  he  was  tried  in  his  government, 
his  family  and  household,  as  well  as  in  his  own  experience. 
How  many  things  combine  to  try  and  per^ilex  the  believer ! 
His  is  not  a  path  strewed  with  roses  ;  he  is  not  permitted  to 
enjoy  the  sunshine  of  prosperity,  and  dwell  at  ease ;  he  sails 
not  along  a  calm  and  smooth  stream,  but  is  tossed  with  foam- 
ing billows  and  raging  waves,  ere  he  enters  the  port  of  peace. 
Our  greatest  trials  often  arise  from  our  dearest  comforts  — 
and  the  rose  that  we  pi'ess  to  our  bosom  is  encircled  with 
sharp  and  prickling  thorns,  which  inflict  many  a  wound,  and 
cause  many  a  pang.  How  often  under  the  accumulated 
weight  of  trials  are  we  ready  to  faint  I 

The  expression  of  confidence  stated.     Note  here 

The  nature  of  the  princi2^le  possessed.  It  Avas  faith.  This 
grace  is  necessary  in  every  step  of  our  journey  —  in  all  the 
movements  of  our  mind  towards  God — and  in  every  devo- 
tional exercise.  Faith  extracts  the  sweetness  of  comfort  out 
of  the  bitterness  of  affliction,  and  discerns  the  gilded  rays  of 
the  sun  behind  the  dark  clouds  of  trial.  It  inspires  us  with 
courage  when  we  are  ready  to  faint  ;  and  sets  our  feet  upon 
a  rock,  so  that  we  can  stand  secure  amidst  the  tumult  of  the 
waters  with  which  we  are  surrounded. 

The  ohject  to  which  it  directs  us.  "  The  goodness  of  the 
Lord."  AVhat  an  extensive  subject  for  our  contemplation  ! 
Think  of  his  goodness  in  providence  —  how  often  has  he  in- 
terposed on  our  behalf,  and  turned  the  curse  into  a  blessing  I 
But  the  goodness  of  his  grace  as  far  exceeds  his  providential 
favors,  as  the  glorious  splendor  of  the  sun  outshines  the  pale 
beams  of  the  lamp  of  night. 

77^e  place  of  its  manifestation.     "  In  the  land  of  the  liv- 


THE  christian's  patiexce.  145 

ing."  This  mtxj  refer  to  the  present  life  —  to  the  sacred  tem- 
ple below,  and  the  glorious  sanctuary  on  high.  Thus  in  the 
darkest  season  we  must  trust  in  God,  and  not  be  "  wearied 
and  faint  in  our  minds."  Soon  the  mysteries  of  Providence 
shall  be  solved,  and  the  curtain  which  now  conceals  so  much 
from  us  shall  be  drawn  up ;  while  millions  of  voices  exclaim, 
"  He  hath  done  all  things  Avell." 


MAT    20. 

THE   CHRISTIAN'S   PATIENCE. 

"  In  your  patience  possess  ye  your  soxils."  —  Luke  xxi.  19. 

The  exercise  of  patience  implies  the  existence  of  trials ; 
and  the  Christian's  course  is  beset  with  them ;  but  when  he 
has  obtained  the  end  of  his  faith,  and  there  is  nothing  more  to 
try  his  patience,  he  will  acknowledge  that  there  was  not  one 
thorn  or  briar  too  much  in  the  wilderness,  not  a  billow  or  wave 
too  much  in  the  ocean  of  life.     Note  here 

A  DDTY.  This  respects  the  conduct  we  are  to  pursue  as  to 
ourselves  —  it  is  patience. 

Jt  admits  a  painful  truth.  That  believers  in  their  afflic- 
tions are  apt  to  lose  or  forget  themselves  by  impatience,  resent- 
ment of  injuries,  wrath,  and  anger.  How  prone  are  we  to 
displaj'  the  fretful  temper  of  Jonah,  and  say,  "I  do  well  to  be 
augTy  ;  "  instead  of  heaping  coals  of  fire  on  the  heads  of  those 
that  offend  us,  to  soften  and  melt  them  down  ! 

It  proposes  a  desirable  course.  Self-possession.  When  we 
are  easily  irritated,  and  our  anger  is  kindled  with  every 
breath  of  provocation,  we  not  only  expose  our  weakness,  but 
often  show  our  wickedness  in  hasty  words,  unkind  speeches, 
and  unchristian  deeds.  Let  our  weapons  of  defence  be,  not 
wratli,  hatred,  and  retaliation  ;  but  patience,  pity,  and  prayer. 

It  shows  hoio  t/ie  object  is  to  be  obtained.  By  the  exercise 
of  patience  ;  this  is  better  than  resistance.  Anger  may  glance 
into  the  Ijreast  of  a  good  man,  l)ut  rests  only  in  the  bosom  of 
fools.  Fulgentius,  after  he  was  extremely  persecuted,  had  an 
advantage  to  seek  revenge,  but  would  not ;  "  For,"  said  he, 
"  we  must  suffer  more  for  Christ  than  this."  If  we  let  the 
sun  go  down  upon  our  wrath,  avc  must  expect  clouds  to  shade 
the  light  of  God's  countenance.  By  resentment  we  take  the 
law  into  our  own  hands  ;  by  patience  we  leave  our  cause  in  the 
hands  of  him  who  hath  said,  "  Vengeance  is  mine,  I  will  re- 
pav,  saith  the  Lord." 
13 


146  THE  christian's  safety 

MAY    21. 


THE    CHRISTIAN'S   SAFETY. 


"  But  there  shall  not  an  hair  of  your  head  perish."  —  Luke  xxi.  18. 

It  is  consolatory  to  reflect,  that,  though  believers  are  the 
objects  of  the  world's  hatred,  they  are  the  subjects  of  God's 
especial  care.     In  this  passage  we  have 

A  PROMISE.  This  regards  the  safety  insured  to  us  from 
God.  The  phrase  here  made  use  of  is  frequently  employed 
in  Scripture  to  denote  perfect  security  and  freedom  from 
harm.  Turn  to  the  following  passages,  1  Sam.  xiv.  45 ;  1 
Kings  i.  52 ;  Acts  xxvii.  34.  This  is  not  to  be  taken  in  its 
literal  meaning,  but  in  its  spiritual  acceptation,  intimating  that 
they  should  not  be  really  injured,  as  to  their  eternal  interest; 
for,  says  the  Saviour,  "  He  that  losetli  his  life  for  my  sake 
shall  find  it."  The  Christian's  present  trials  are  only  prepar- 
ing the  way  for  his  ultimate  triumphs.  They  are,  as  so  many 
artificers,  to  make  the  crown  of  glory  more  massy  and  more 
bright ;  every  stroke  doth  but  add  fresh  beauty  to  it.  The 
mysteries  of  Providence  are  often  the  ground-work  of  some 
excellent  piece  he  is  about  to  discover  to  us.  Two  tilings 
tend  to  alleviate  our  anxiety  with  regard  to  the  trials  that 
befall  us. 

^'hey  are  Icnoton  to  God.  He  takes  cognizance  of  the  most 
minute  circumstances  in  our  history.  "  Tlie  hairs  of  your 
bead  are  all  numbered."  He  observes  the  silent  tear  that 
trickles  down  the  cheek  ;  he  hears  the  sigh  that  escapes  from 
the  agitated  breast;  he  is  acquainted  with  the  fears  and  mis- 
givings that  sometimes  ruffle  the  tranquillity  of  our  spirits,  and 
reads  the  language  of  pra)'er  on  the  tablet  of  the  heart. 

They  are  permitted  hy  God.  This  is  a  doctrine  that  has 
been  much  abused  and  misrepresented.  God  permits  sin,  but 
it  is  man  that  perpetrates  it.  The  wicked  are  called  "his 
sword."  Jesus  said  to  Pilate,  "  Thou  couldst  have  no  poAver 
at  all  against  me,  except  it  were  given  tliee  from  above."  The 
rage  and  fury  of  the  ungodly,  as  well  as  the  elements  of  na- 
ture, are  under  his  control,  who  makes  the  wrath  of  men  to 
praise  him. 

"  The  truth  of  God  shall  still  endure, 
And  firm  his  promise  stand  ; 
Believing  souls  inay  rest  secure 
In  his  almighty  hand." 


DIVINE    SUrPOKT    UNDEU    TRIALS.  117 

MAY    22. 

DIYINE   SUPPORT  UNDER  TRIALS. 

*'  Cast  thy  burden  upon  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  sustain  thee."  —  Psalm  Iv.  22. 

The  promises  of  God  are  of  two  classes  :  there  are  some 
that  are  absohite ;  as,  "  The  Loi'd  will  give  grace  and  glory. 
As  thy  day,  so  shall  thy  strength  be."  Others  are  condition- 
al ;  as,  "  Acknowledge  him  in  all  thy  ways,  and  he  shall  di- 
rect thy  paths : "  the  promise  before  us  is  of  this  description. 
Here  we  see  that  the  believer  has  a  burden  to  try  him,  a  duty 
to  engage  him,  and  a  promise  to  encourage  him. 

A  BURDEN  TO  TRY  iiiM.  And  of  what  does  it  consist?  Of 
sins,  for  though  the  power  of  corruption  is  subdued,  its  being 
still  remains ;  the  root  of  enmity  is  not  plucked  up,  but  its 
shootings  are  checked ;  the  tyrant  is  not  destroyed,  but  he 
is  dethroned,  and  his  sceptre  is  broken  ;  the  lion  retains  his 
fei'ocity,  but  he  is  in  chains.  There  is  a  burden  of  cares,  and 
these  arise  from  innumerable  sources,  external  and  internal ; 
of  doubts,  respecting  our  spiritual  state  before  God. 

A  DUTY  TO  EXGAGE  HiJi.  "  Cast  thy  burden  upon  the 
Lord."  "What  else  can  we  do?  AVe  should  soon  sink  under 
the  load.  We  are  to  cast  our  burden  of  sins  on  him,  by  a  re- 
liance on  the  merits  of  Christ ;  our  burden  of  cares,  by  trust- 
ing in  his  providence  ;  and  our  burden  of  doubts,  by  pleading 
his  promise.  Why  should  we  comi)lain  of  our  burden  ?  "  We 
fear,"  says  Bishop  Hall,  "  our  best  friends :  for  my  part  I 
have  learned  more  of  God  and  myself  in  one  week's  extrem- 
ity, than  the  prosperity  of  a  whole  life  had  taught  me  before." 

A  PROMISE  TO  EXCOURAGE  IIIM.  "  He  shall  sustain  thee." 
He  sustains  us  under  the  load  of  sin,  by  giving  more  grace ; 
under  the  weight  of  cares,  by  imparting  true  comforts;  and 
under  tlie  burden  of  doubts,  by  inci'easing  our  faith.  Dwell 
more,  then,  on  the  brightness  of  God's  promises  than  the 
darkness  of  his  j)rovidences ;  and  while  the  weight  of  the  bur- 
den would  excite  your  fear,  let  the  omnipotence  of  Jehovah's 
arm  inspire  your  coulidence. 

"  Still  on  the  Lord  thy  burden  roll, 
Nor  let  a  care  remain  ; 
His  mighty  arm  shall  bear  thy  soul, 
And  all  thy  griefs  sustaiu." 


148  THE    NATURE    OF    THE    NEW   BirwTH. 

MAT    23. 

THE  NATURE   OF   THE   NEW  BIRTH. 

"  Which  were  born  of  God."  —  John  i.  13. 

Many  boast  of  their  honorable  descent,  birth,  and  parent- 
age, and  the  dignity  and  wealth  of  their  ancestors ;  but  who 
amon^  the  great  and  mighty  of  the  earth  can  be  compared 
with  the  believer  who  is  descended  from  the  Father  of  lights, 
and  is  an  heir  of  immortal  glory  ?     Note 

The  NATURE  OF  THE  NEW  BIRTH.  An  amazing  change 
is  produced,  Avhich  extends  to  all  the  powers  and  faculties  of 
the  soul ;  there  is  the  impression  of  the  Divine  image,  the 
implantation  of  a  Divine  principle,  and  a  restoration  to  the 
Divine  favor. 

They  are  horn  to  a  state  of  |9?^/r//i2«ye.  Previous  to  con- 
version, they  were  pilgrims  in  condition,  in  common  with  all 
mankind,  who  are  on  a  journey  from  time  to  eternity ;  but 
now  they  have  the  heart  of  a  stranger,  and  the  feelings  and 
dispositions  of  heavenly  travellers. 

They  are  horn  to  sorrows.  And  these  are  of  a  peculiar  na- 
ture, and  arise  from  various  sources ;  such  as,  sin  dwelling  in 
them,  and  abounding  in  the  world,  the  withdrawment  of  the 
Divine  presence  and  favor.  If  they  are  sowers,  they  sow  in 
tears  ;  if  they  are  companions,  they  are  "  companions  in  trib- 
ulation." 

They  are  horn  to  joys.  They  now  rejoice  in  those  things  in 
which  they  felt  no  interest  before  ;  the  person,  work,  cross, 
word,  and  ordinances  of  Christ ;  and  not  only  in  the  anticipa- 
tions of  hope,  but  in  tribulations  also,  knowing  that  though  it 
may  afflict  the  mind,  it  cannot  affect  the  state.     Rom.  viii.  35. 

They  are  horn  to  high  honors  —  to  be  pi'Ophets,  priests,  and 
kings  ;  as  prophets,  they  know  God's  will,  for  "  the  secret  of 
the  Lord  is  with  them  that  fear  him ; "  they  are  a  holy  priest- 
hood to  offer  up  spiritual  sacrifices  ;  as  kings  they  have  a 
kingdom  within  them,  they  are  attended  with  royal  guards, 
the  angels  of  the  Lord.  They  are  born  to  an  inheritance  free 
in  its  reception,  unbounded  in  its  joys,  and  eternal  in  its  du- 
ration. Remember,  before  you  can  realize  these  honors  you 
must  be  born  again  ;  — 

"  Born  in  the  im.nge  of  Iiis  Son, 
A  new  peculiar  race." 


THE   AUTUOR   OF   THE    NEW   BIRTH.  149 

MAY    24. 

TIIF   AUTHOR   OF   THE   NEW  BIRTH. 

"  WTilch  were  bom  of  God.."  — John  i.  13. 

How  mysterious  and  inexplicable  to  carnal  reason  are 
many  of  the  doctrines  of  Christianity !  Such  is  that  of  the 
new  birth ;  and  the  language  of  the  natural  man  concerning 
it  is,  "  How  can  these  things  be  ?  "  The  Scriptures  make 
known  to  us  the  fact,  though  they  do  not  explain  to  us  the 
jirecise  mode  of  the  Spirit's  operations  in  regeneration.  John 
iii.  8.     Observe 

The  Author  of  the  neav  birth.  The  melancholy  de- 
scription given  us  of  the  wickedness  and  depravity  of  man  in 
his  natural  state,  plainly  demonstrates  to  us  tliat  he  cannot  effect 
this  change  himself;  it  is  by  the  will  of  God,  as  the  moving 
cause  ;  and  the  word  of  life,  as  the  instrumental  means  :  there- 
fore it  is  said,  "  Of  his  own  Avill  begat  he  us  with  the  word  of 
truth."  Every  thing  in  the  new  birth  is  his  workmanship. 
He  gives  the  new  heart,  opens  the  eyes  in  the  communication 
of  light,  and  the  ears  to  receive  instruction ;  he  gives  a  new 
name  and  a  new  nature;  he  puts  his  fear  in  our  hearts;  "We 
love  him,  because  he  first  loved  us ;  "  faith  is  his  gift ;  Christ 
is  exalted  to  give  repentance  and  the  remission  of  sins  ;  he 
imparts  joy,  and  tlie  joy  of  the  Loi'd  is  their  strength ;  he 
taught  them  the  language  they  speak,  and  first  enabled  them 
to  cry,  thougli  in  broken  accents,  "Abba,  Father;"  he  works 
in  them  to  will  and  to  do,  and  without  him  they  can  do  nothing. 
Every  one  but  an  atlieistical  sceptic  will  grant,  that  in  the 
animal  world  tlie  principle  of  life  and  motion  is  from  God; 
and  in  the  rational  creation,  our  souls,  with  tlieir  powers  and 
faculties,  are  derived  irom  the  same  Divine  Being.  Now,  if 
every  thing  that  lives  received  its  life  from  God,  the  fountain 
of  life,  how  unreasonable  would  it  be  to  suppose  that  the 
Christian  could  receive  his  spiritual  existence  from  any  other 
source  !  The  same  power  and  wisdom  that  were  necessary  in 
forming  man  in  tlie  Divine  likeness  are  requisite  in  re-impress- 
ing the  image  of  God  on  his  soul.  How  can  we  call  in  ques- 
tion the  Divine  agency  employed  in  this  work,  when  stones 
are  raised  up  as  children  to  Abraham,  lions  are  changed  into 
lambs,  and  the  dead  are  raised  to  life  ?  The  finger  of  God 
is  here  ;  this  is  the  Lord's  doing,  and  it  "is  marvellous  in  our 
eyes." 

13* 


150  THE    SANCTIFICATION    OF   THE    CHRISTIA^^ 

MAT    25. 

THE  SANCTIFICATION  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN. 

"  yor  by  one  offering  he  hath  perfected  for  erer  them  that  are  sanctified." — Heb.  x.  14. 

The  cross  of  Christ  is  an  object  of  the  greatest  wonder, 
glory,  and  magnificence  in  the  world ;  as  we  gaze  on  it,  new 
discoveries  and  increasing  beauties  burst  on  our  astonished 
view.  It  is  the  gi'and  centre  of  attraction  ;  and,  ere  long,  all 
nations  shall  be  drawn  to  it.  It  is  the  sun  that  illumines  the 
firmament  of  truth.  It  is  the  tree  of  life  in  the  midst  of  the 
garden  of  revelation.  It  is  a  living  fountain,  from  whence 
issue  the  streams  of  light  and  joy,  peace  and  pardon,  and  all 
spiritual  blessings.     Here  is 

A  GLORIOUS  EFFECT.     The  sauctification  of  the  Christian. 

Its  nature.  To  be  sanctified,  is  to  be  set  apart  and  made 
holy.  Believers  are  set  apart  by  a  holy  God,  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  holy  purposes,  and  the  enjoyment  of  holy  privi- 
leges. They  have  a  holy  nature,  holy  principles,  holy  desires 
and  pursuits. 

Its  degree.  Paul  does  not  mean  to  say,  that  this  perfection 
of  sanctification  is  attained  on  earth ;  he  is  drawing  a  line  of 
distinction  between  the  two  economies,  the  law  and  the  Gos- 
pel ;  and  proving,  that  while  one  could  not  make  perfect,  the 
other  could.  Read  the  few  verses  at  the  commencement  of 
the  chapter.  Perfect  sanctification,  or  a  complete  renewal  of 
the  soul,  is  effected  by  the  one  ofi'ering  of  Christ,  and  secured 
to  all  believei's  ;  but  they  are  not  put  in  full  possession  of  it, 
till  they  arrive  in  that  world  where  a  single  spot  of  impurity 
can  never  appear.  Sanctification  begins  with  the  dawn  of 
grace,  and  is  consummated  in  the  meridian  blaze  of  glory. 

Its  means.  The  lilood  of  Christ  is  the  i)rocuring  cause  ; 
but  the  work  is  carried  on  by  various  means  instituted  for  the 
purpose.  The  word  and  ordinances  are  designed  for  this 
end,  and  so  are  afllictions ;  "  By  these  shall  the  iniquity  of 
Jacob  be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the  fruit  to  take  away  his 
sin." 

Its  agency.  The  Holy  Spirit  works  effectually  in  the  heart, 
and  applies  to  our  consciences  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  He 
works  as  a  Sovereign,  where,  when,  and  how  he  {)lea?es.  The 
whole  presents  us  with  a  stimulus  for  the  Christian's  future 
course,  onward  to  perfection  ;  seek  to  increase  in  holiness,  and 
grow  in  grace  :  also,  a  foundation  for  the  sinner's  liope,  it  is 
the  offering  of  Christ ;  he  was  "  once  offered,"  and  there  re- 
maineth  no  more  sacrifice  for  sin. 


THE  NATURE  OF  THE  SOUL.  151 

MAY  26. 

THE  NATURE  OF  THE  SOUL. 

"  Life  aud  immortality." — 2  Tim.  i.  10. 

Infidel  writers  tell  us  that  death  is  the  extinction  of  our 
being,  and  the  grave  the  place  of  an  everlasting  sleep ;  but 
■we  believe  that  death  is  the  threshold  of  eternitj,  and  that 
we  shall  sleep  only  till  the  resurrection  morn,  and  rise  either 
to  eternal  happiness  or  never-ending  woe.  This  is  only  the 
embryo  state  of  our  existence :  "  The  dust  shall  return  to  the 
earth  as  it  was,"  there  is  the  death  of  the  body ;  "  but  the 
spirit  shall  retui'n  unto  God  who  gave  it,"  there  is  the  immor- 
tality of  the  soul.  Let  us  bring  forward  some  arguments  in 
proof  of  the  soul's  immortality. 

Its  nature.  It  is  a  spirit.  How  do  we  know  this  ? 
Because  it  is  capable  of  apprehending  spiritual  objects.  It 
has  been  well  observed,  that  a  spiritual  object  can  only  be  ap- 
prehended by  a  spiritual  operation  ;  a  .spiritual  operation  can 
only  belong  to  a  spiritual  faculty,  and  a  spiritual  faculty  can 
only  be  connected  with  a  spiritual  being.  The  Christian  can 
commune  with  God.  "■  God  is  a  spirit ;"  he  can  hold  fellow- 
ship with  angels,  "  are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits  ?"  The 
language  of  Paul,  in  Hebrews  xii.  22  —  24,  is  to  the  point. 
He  uses  the  present  tense,  "  Ye  are  come  "  to  the  association 
of  the  blest  in  heaven.  But  in  what  sense  may  believers  be 
said  to  come  ?  Not  with  the  body,  tluit  would  be  impossible ; 
it  is  by  communion  "  they  are  come."  And  what  part  of  man 
holds  communion  with  these  exalted  intelligences  ?  It  is 
his  soul ;  if  so,  it  must  be  spiritual ;  and  if  it  is  spiritual, 
where  is  the  individual  who  will  deny  that  it  is  immortal? 
Some  say,  that  what  we  call  a  spirit  is  a  mere  attribute  of 
life  ;  but  we  ask,  how  is  it,  when  life  is  sinking,  and  the  body 
is  decaying,  the  spirit  does  not  partake  of  that  debility,  de- 
cay, and  disease,  of  which  the  corporeal  frame  is  the  subject  ? 
How  olten  have  the  operations  of  the  mind  been  carried  on 
with  the  greatest  intensity,  when  the  body  has  been  hastening 
to  dissolution,  and  thus  the  spirit  has  triumphed  over  the 
flesh! 

"  Piirdon  and  peace  tlirongh  him  abound  ; 
He  can  the  richest  blessings  give  ; 
Salvation  in  his  name  is  found  ; 
He  bids  the  dying  siuuer  live." 


152  THE    SACRIFICE     OF   CHRIST. 

MAT    27. 

THE  SACRIFICE  OF  CHRIST. 

''  For  by  one  offering  he  hath  perfected  for  ever  them  that  are  sanctified."— Heb.  x.  14. 

The  law  was  only  the  shadow  of  good  things  to  come  ;  all 
its  services  and  ceremonies  formed  but  the  threshold  of  that 
magnificent  building  of  the  Gospel  temple,  which  is  conse- 
crated with  richer  blood,  and  more  costly  sacrifices,  and  associ- 
ated with  nobler  designs.  Paul  argues  the  superiority  of  the 
Gospel  to  the  law  in  a  most  masterly  manner ;  and,  among 
ether  considerations,  he  adduces  the  variety  of  sacrifices  that 
Avere  offered  by  the  priests  under  the  law,  whereas  Jesus  our 
great  High  Priest  has  rendered  a  perfect  atonement  by  one 
offering. 

A  GRACIOUS  CAUSE.     The  sacrifice  of  Christ. 

It  ivas  absolutely  necessary.  Sin  rendered  it  so :  it  hid 
from  us  the  Divine  countenance,  and  shrouded  our  pi'ospects 
in  the  darkest  gloom  and  despair ;  and  nothing  could  recon- 
cile God  to  us  but  the  death  of  his  Son. 

It  teas  clearly  prefigured.  An  importance  is  attached  to 
the  Jewish  rites  and  ceremonies,  only  as  they  typified  the 
grand  atonement  of  Calvaiy.  The  church  of  God  was  then 
in  its  infancy,  and  these  things  were  as  so  many  pictures  and 
hieroglyphics,  which  served  but  for  that  period :  when  our 
Saviour  came,  it  had  arrived  at  more  mature  years,  and  re- 
quired no  more  those  types,  because  it  had  a  clearer  manifes- 
tation of  the  Divine  glory  and  grace  :  ere  long  it  shall  attain 
unto  the  stature  of  a  perfect  man,  all  childish  things  shall  be 
put  away,  and  the  Deity  shall  no  more  be  seen  through  clouds 
of  incense  and  pillars  of  smoke,  or  the  dark  glass  of  ordi- 
nances, but  face  to  face,  without  a  veil  between. 

It  was  willingly  made.  He  saw  in  dread  array  all  the  suf- 
ferings and  agonies  he  was  about  to  endure  ;  yet  he  moved 
onward  with  firm  step  and  steady  purpose,  exclaiming,  "  I 
have  a  baptism  to  be  baptized  with,  and  how  am  I  straitened 
till  it  be  accomplished !"  When  in  agonies  in  the  garden,  he 
said,  "  Not  my  will,  but  thine  be  done."  When  apprehended, 
he  did  not  resist.  When  he  suffered,  he  threatened  not ;  and 
when  reviled,  he  reviled  not  again.  He  laid  down  his  life  for 
the  world. 

It  was  infinitely  svfiicient.  The  Godhead  of  the  Saviour 
made  it  so.     Now  was  the  sword  of  justice  put  again  uito  its 


THE  IMMORTALITY  OF  THE  SOUL.         153 

scabbard,  only  to  be  uplifted  against  those  who  despise  the 
great  salvation ;  mercy  and  truth  now  smile  on  the  brow  of 
the  Great  Eternal,  and  the  way  to  glory  is  consecrated ;  the 
gates  of  paradise  are  opened,  and  the  voice  of  the  Father  is 
heard,  "This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  w^eU 
pleased." 


MAT  28. 
THE  IMMORTALITY  OF  THE  SOUL. 

"  A  living  soiil." —  Gen.  ii.  7. 

Every  thing  connected  with  the  soul  is  mysterious  and 
wonderful,  and  calculated  to  fill  our  minds  with  astonishment ; 
but  its  eternal  duration  stamps  it  with  the  greatest  value  and 
importance. 

Another  argument  in  proof  of  its  immortality  is, 
The  price  paid  for  its  redemption.  "  The  redemp- 
tion of  the  soul  is  precious."  If  the  soul  is  not  immortal, 
then  we  are  in  no  danger  of  future  punishment ;  and  if  this 
be  the  case,  how  is  Christ  said  to  redeem  us  from  the  wrath 
to  come  ?  If  the  soul  is  not  immortal,  there  is  no  future 
happiness  ;  and  if  this  be  the  case,  in  what  sense  can  Jesus  be 
said  to  purchase  for  us  an  eternal  inheritance  ?  Is  the  soul 
redeemed  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  not  immortal  ?  Sancti- 
fied by  the  blessed  Spirit,  and  not  immortal  ?  Then  Christ 
died  in  vain,  and  they  also  who  are  fallen  asleep  in  him  are 
perished  —  then  what  becomes  of  the  everlasting  covenant, 
ordered  in  all  things,  and  sure  ?  How  are  we  to  understand 
the  intercessory  prayer  of  Jesus  ?  —  "  Father,  I  will,  that 
they  also  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  be  with  me  where  I  am." 
If  we  are  with  Christ  where  he  is,  we  must  be  clothed  with 
immortality. 

'T  is  immortality  om-  nature  solves  ; 
'T  is  immortality  deciphers  man, 
And  opens  all  the  mysteries  of  his  make : 
Without  it,  half  his  instincts  are  a  riddle  ; 
TrVithout  it,  all  liis  virtues  are  a  di'eam." 

The  happiness  of  -which  it  is  capable.  It  has 
powers  and  faculties  that  capacitate  it  for  the  enjoyment  of 
the  Deity.     There  is  no  part  of  Christian  comfort  or  happi- 


154  THE  christian's  prospect  and  duty. 

ness  that  does  not  depend  on  the  soul's  immortality.  Are  we 
comforted  by  the  atonement  of  Christ?  That  atonement  is 
infinite,  and  refers  to  the  eternal  duration  of  heaven.  Are  we 
consoled  by  the  love  of  Christ  ?  It  is  everlasting.  Faith  is 
the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things  not 
seen.  Hope  points  to  immortality,  and  enters  within  the 
veil.  If  the  soul  is  capable  of  so  much  enjoyment,  and  can 
be  fitted  to  hold  converse  with  angels,  yea,  with  God  himself, 
how  absurd  is  it  to  suppose  it  would  have  been  created  mere- 
ly to  be  the  companion  of  the  body  for  a  few  years,  and  then 
to  be  annihilated. 

The  testibiont  of  Scripture.  Numerous  passages 
attest  the  fact.  David  said,  "  Into  thy  hands  I  commit  my 
spirit :"  see  Job  xix.  25  —  27.  Moses  and  Elias  appeared 
on  mount  Tabor,  at  the  transfiguration  of  Christ ;  how  could 
this  have  been  if  the  soul  is  not  immortal  ?  Hear  the  lan- 
guage of  the  apostle,  Rom.  viii.  10,  11,  "And  if  Christ  be 
in  you,  the  body  is  dead  because  of  sin,"  that  is  its  doom  by 
Adam's  fall ;  but  the  spirit  is  life,  or,  as  it  might  be  rendered, 
your  spirit  lives,  "  because  of  righteousness."  Again,  see 
Matt.  X.  28,  Luke  xx,  37,  38.  Angels  are  said  to  rejoice  at 
the  conversion  of  a  sinner ;  but  why  should  they,  if  the  soul 
dies  with  the  body  ?  Let  me  remember  there  is  an  immor- 
tality of  bliss,  and  an  immortality  of  woe  ;  be  it  my  highest 
aim  to  secure  the  one,  and  to  escape  the  other. 


MAY   29. 
THE  CHRISTIAN'S  PROSPECT  AND  DUTY. 

"  Wherefore,  beloved,  seeing  that  ye  look  for  such  things,  be  diligent,  that  ye  may 
be  found  of  him  in  peace,  mthout,  spot,  and  blameless."  —  2  Pet.  iii.  14. 

It  has  been  well  observed,  that  human  life  would  be  one 
stagnant  lake,  unless  promise  heaved  up  its  waters,  and  bid 
them  roll  towards  some  ideal  shore,  wliich  it  represents  as 
sparkling  with  beauty  and  delight.  How  gloi'ious  are  the 
hopes  which  the  Gospel  inspires !  Contemplate 
The  Christian's  future  prospects.  See 
The  glories  it  unfolds.  "  Such  things,"  that  is,  the  dissolu- 
tion of  nature,  the  day  of  the  Lord,  new  heavens  and  a  new 
earth.  These  things  shall  be  preceded  by  the  universal  spread 
of  the  Gospel,  the  downfall  of  Antichrist,  and  the  subvei'sion 
of  every  system  opposed  to  Chiistianity. 


A   PRATER   FOR    THE    DIVINE    FAVOR.  155 

The  ground  on  whicli  it  rests  ;  ver.  1 3.  "  According  to  his 
promise."  In  cherishing  such  anticipations,  we  are  not  de- 
luded by  fancy  —  we  rest  the  telescope  of  faith  on  the  word 
of  promise,  and  command  an  extensive  prospect  of  things  that 
must  shortly  be  brought  near  to  us. 

T]ie  feelings  witli  wliicli  it  should  he  vietved.  Many  mo- 
tives should  induce  us  to  look  for  such  things  ;  as  we  desire 
to  be  freed  from  sin,  released  from  trouble,  have  our  graces 
perfected,  and  ])e  in  possession  of  eternal  happiness.  There 
must  be  the  look  of  faith,  hope,  joy,  desire,  patience,  and 
love. 

The  Christian's  present  duty.  It  may  be  summed  up 
in  one  word,  diligence.     Note 

The  objects  to  which  it  should  he  directed.  The  possession 
of  peace  is  one  ;  we  cannot  be  found  of  God  in  peace,  till  we 
are  found  in  Christ  as  our  Saviour.  The  perfection  of  holi- 
ness is  the  other ;  this  cannot  be  attained  here.  The  good 
ground  of  the  heart  is  in  cultivation,  but  it  is  not  free  from 
weeds  ;  the  gold  of  grace  is  mixed  with  the  dross  of  sin  :  but 
when  grace  is  perfected  in  glory,  believers  shall  be  blame- 
less. 

The  manner  in  ichich  it  is  to  he  performed.  This  diligence 
is  to  be  applied  to  tlie  observance  of  appointed  means  and 
ordinances,  and  to  the  cultivation  of  spiritual  gifts  and  graces. 
Let  me  thus  be  constantly  dwelling  on  the  sides  of  eternity. 


MAY   30. 
A  PRAYER  FOR  THE  DIVINE  FAVOR. 

"  Remember  me,  0  Lord!  with  the  favor  that  thou  boarost  unto  thy  jieoiile  ;  OIi !  visit; 
me  with  tliy  salvation." —  Psalm  cvi.  4. 

While  multitudes  of  the  human  race  disregard  the  claims 
of  religion,  there  are  those  who  have  another  and  a  nobler 
spirit,  that  bids  them  seek  superior  bliss,  and  bend  their 
course  towards  heaven's  unfading  joys.  Such  individuals  can 
unite  in  the  comprehensive  prayer  of  the  psalmist,  which  we 
are  now  to  consider.     Three  things  ai*e  here  implied. 

An  interest  in  the  remembrance  of  God.  "  Remem- 
ber me,  O  Lord !  "  This  is  a  suitable  petition  at  all  times ;  in 
life  Avith  its  solicitudes,  and  in  death  with  its  solemnities.  We 
should  pray  that  God  would 

Remember  our  %vants  and  enrich  us.    Sin  has  impoverished 


156  A   PRATER   FOR    THE   DIVINE    FAVOR. 

US  —  by  it  we  have  lost  all  our  possessions,  and  are  reduced 
to  the  lowest  extremity  —  but  God  can  supply  all  our  needs 
according  to  his  riches  in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus. 

Remeniber  our  loeahness  and  strengthen  us.  We  are  insuf- 
ficient of  ourselves  either  to  engage  in  duty,  or  to  encounter 
difficulty.  Oh  to  be  remembered  by  Him,  who  alone  can  im- 
part unto  us  that  strength  we  require  ! 

Rememher  our  sorrows  and  comfort  us.  In  this  life  there 
are  alternate  joys  and  sorrows,  the  bright  beams  of  hope 
mingled  with  the  dark  shades  of  despair ;  and,  if  the  con- 
sciousness of  the  remembrance  of  an  earthly  friend  affords 
such  relief  to  the  mind,  what  is  the  comfort  associated  with 
the  persuasion  that  we  have  a  heavenly  Friend,  who  knoweth 
our  frame,  and  remembereth  that  we  are  but  dust  ? 

A  PARTICIPATION  IN  THE  FAVOR  OF    GOD.       ObsCTVe 

T/ie  characters  alluded  to.  "  Thy  people."  God  has  a  peo- 
ple that  are  peculiarly  his.  They  are  so  by  distinguishing 
mercy,  as  they  are  chosen  in  Christ,  from  before  the  founda- 
tion of  the  world.  They  are  so  by  renewing  grace  ;  thus 
they  bear  the  image  of  the  Father,  are  justified  by  the  rigiit- 
eousness  of  the  Son,  and  sanctified  by  the  influences  of  the 
Spirit.  They  are  so  by  voluntary  consent,  as  they  have  given 
themselves  to  him. 

The  blessing  implored.  It  is  the  Divine  favor.  There  is 
a  peculiar  favor  God  shows  to  his  people  —  all  he  does  for 
them  is  through  free  and  unmerited  grace.  What  David  here 
desires,  includes  every  thing  essential  to  our  present  welfare 
and  future  bliss. 

The  ENJOYMENT  OF  THE  SALVATION  OF  GOD.    "  Oh  !  visit 

me  with  thy  salvation."  This  may  refer  to  temporal  deliver- 
ances or  spiritual  comforts.     God  does  this 

By  the  interposition  of  his  jrrovidence.  Thus  he  saves  and 
rescues  us  from  innumerable  dangei's  to  Avhich  we  are  ex- 
posed, and  continues  us  in  being. 

Bg  the  displays  of  Ids  grace.  How  delightful  are  the  visits 
wTiich  God  pays  to  the  soul !  He  never  comes  empty-handed, 
but  with  an  abundance  of  good  things.  He  visits  us  with 
discoveries  of  this  salvation,  a,nd  thus  we  see  its  fulness  ;  with 
the  experience  of  this  salvation,  and  thus  we  feel  its  power ; 
with  the  blessings  of  this  salvation,  and  thus  we  enjoy  its 
richness  ;  with  the  earnests  of  its  full  consummation,  and 
thus  we  long  for  eternal  glory,  where  Ave  shall  be  saved  to 
sin  no  more. 


THE  DEPLORABLE  STATE.  157 

MAY  31. 

THE  DEPLORABLE  STATE. 

"For  when  we  were  yet  without  strenjicth,  in  due  time  Christ  died  for  the  ungodly." 
Koin.  T.  6. 

Christ  is  the  grand  figure  in  the  picture  of  the  Gospel ; 
the  learning  and  eloquence  of  ministers  are  not  colors  to 
adorn  it,  but  as  the  dark  ground  of  the  picture,  to  set  it  forth 
more  clearly.  Christ  crucified  is  the  theme  of  our  ministry. 
We  are  here  led  to  the  contemplation  of  his  death.     Here  is 

A  DKPLORABLE  STATE  DESCRIBED.     It  is  twofold,  negative 

and  positive  ;  the  one  is  the  want  of  power,  the  other  is  the 
existence  of  enmity.  "  Man  is,"  says  Birkett,  "  without  pow- 
er to  resist  justice,  and  without  affection  to  desire  mercy ;  so 
weak  that  he  trembles  at  the  appearance  of  a  worm,  and  yet 
so  wicked  that  he  lifts  up  his  head  against  heaven." 

A  state  of  absolute  weakness.  "  We  were  yet  Without 
strength  ; "  that  is,  deprived  of  all  power  to  rescue  ourselves 
from  the  miseries  into  which  our  sins  had  plunged  ns.  Man 
has  incurred  the  Divine  displeasure  by  sin,  and  he  is  without 
strength  to  obtain  the  favor  of  Heaven  ;  he  is  polluted  in  his 
iniquities,  and  he  is  without  strength  to  cleanse  his  spotted 
soul ;  he  is  far  from  his  Maker  by  wicked  works,  and  he  is 
without  strength  to  draw  near  for  succor. 

A  state  of  actual  tcickedness.  "  Ungodly."  Man  is  not 
only  weak  and  impotent,  indisposed  towards  that  which  is 
good,  but  striving  with  his  Maker,  rising  up  in  rebellion 
against  him,  and  setting  him  at  defiance.  His  sins  had  swelled 
like  a  mighty  deluge,  higher  and  higher,  and  there  were  the 
foamings  of  rage  and  passion,  and  every  hateful  feeling,  till 
at  length  they  reached  to  the  very  heavens,  and  loudly  called 
for  the  judgment  of  an  avenging  God  ;  but  there  was  no  cry 
for  help,  there  was  no  expression  of  sorrow,  there  was  no 
contrition  of  heart :  "none  of  them  repented  of  his  evil,  say- 
ing, AVhat  have  I  done  ?  "  But  there  was  mercy  in  the  heart 
of  God  ;  behold  in  the  midst  of  those  black  clouds  that  por- 
tend the  gathering  storm,  a  star  piercing  through  the  thick 
darkness ;  it  is  the  star  of  Bethlehem,  and  is  the  harbinger 
of  a  bright  and  glorious  day  ;  see  tlie  mantled  heavens,  gilded 
with  the  first  rays  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness  that  now  rises 
with  healing  in  his  wings ;  the  clouds  are  dispersed,  the  im- 
pending tempest  is  averted,  the  sky  is  serene,  the  heavens 
open,  and  a  voice  is  heard,  "  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom 
I  am  well  pleased."  "  For  when  we  were  yet  without  strength, 
in  due  time  Christ  died  for  the  ungodly." 
14 


158  A    CALL    TO    HOLINESS. 

JUNE  1. 

A  CALL  TO  HOLINESS. 

•  For  I  am  the  Lord  your  God  ;  ye  shall  therefore  sanctify  yourselTes,  and  ye  shall 
be  holy  ;  for  I  am  holy."  —  Lev.  xi.  44. 

In  the  context  we  have  the  various  laws  and  ordinances  to 
be  observed  by  the  Jews,  in  reference  to  what  they  were  to 
eat,  and  what  they  were  to  abstain  from.  The  ceremonial 
law  Avas  "  a  figure  for  the  time  then  present ;"  but  we  live  un- 
der a  different  dispensation,  and  are  expressly  informed  that 
"■  the  kingdom  of  God  is  not  meat  and  drink,  but  righteous- 
ness, and  peace,  and  joy,  in  tlie  Holy  Ghost."  It  is  spiritual 
in  its  origin,  nature,  principles,  requirements,  and  ends.  Two 
things  may  be  observed  in  the  passage. 

It  ENJOINS  AN  IMPORTANT  DUTY.  "Ye  shall  therefore 
sanctify  yourselves,  and  ye  shall  be  holy." 

Its  extensive  import.  We  are  not  to  imagine  by  the  lan- 
guage here  employed,  that  it  is  in  the  power  of  man  to  sanc- 
tify his  soul ;  this  is  the  work  of  the  Spirit ;  but  there  is  re- 
quired on  our  part  a  diligent  use  of  the  means  which  God 
has  instituted  for  this  end.  It  includes  separation  from  sin, 
dedication  to  God,  and  a  course  of  holiness. 

Its  desirable  nattire.  What  is  the  pleasure  of  sin,  when 
compared  with  the  enjoyment  of  holiness  ?  The  one  is  tran- 
sient, like  a  meteor's  glare,  suddenly  darting  across  the  fir- 
mament ;  the  other  is  enduring,  like  the  never-tiring  sun.  A 
course  of  holiness  is  desirable  both  on  a  present  and  future 
account.  It  is  excellent  in  its  nature,  honorable  in  its  char- 
acter, and  extensive  in  its  benefits. 

Its  indispensahle  necessity.  "  Without  holiness  no  man 
can  see  the  Ijord."  Without  it  we  are  incapacited  for  hold- 
ing communion  with  him  here,  or  entering  into  his  presence 
hereafter.  Those  who  are  saved  are  sanctified,  and  tliose 
who  are  the  possessors  of  happiness  are  the  partakers  of  ho- 
liness. 

It  supplies  a  powekful  motive.  This  is  twofold,  and 
both  in  connection  with  God. 

His  covenant  relation.  "  For  I  am  the  Lord  your  God." 
He  is  the  Former  of  our  bodies,  the  Father  of  our  spirits, 
the  Preserver  of  our  lives,  the  God  of  our  mercies,  and  the 
Author  of  salvation ;  should  not  this  urge  us  to  holiness  ? 

His  spotless  purity.  "  For  lam  holy."  We  may  imitate 
holy  people  in  many  things,  but  they  have  their  imperfec- 


THE    TIMELY    DEHVEKANCE.  159 

tions ;  there  is  the  dross  of  sin  with  the  gold  of  grace.  But 
here  is  an  infallible  pattern,  the  only  perfect  standard  of 
moral  excellence  :  aim,  as  far  as  possible,  to  come  up  to  it ; 
see  where  you  come  short,  and  remember  that  the  way  to 
discern  your,  spots  is  not  to  look  into  the  polluted  streams  of 
men's  lives,  but  to  flim  who  is  the  fountain  of  purity. 


JUNE   2. 

THE  TIMELY  DELIVERANCE. 

"  For  when  we  were  yet  without  strength,  in  due  time    Christ  died  for  the  ungodly." 
Itom.  V.  6. 

The  two  great  subjects  of  the  Bible  are  man's  ruin  by  sin, 
and  his  restoration  by  grace ;  on  the  one  hand  we  behold  the 
misery  of  the  curse,  and  on  the  other  the  mercy  of  the  cross. 
We  have  farther  in  these  words 

A  TIMELY  DELivERAXCE  ACHIEVED.  This  is  accomplished 
by  the  death  of  Christ,  concerning  which  we  may  remark  four 
things. 

The  fact  of  Ms  death.  "  Christ  died."  The  circumstances 
of  his  death  were  peculiarly  affecting.  Crucifixion  was  a 
mode  of  punishment  inflicted  on  those  who  had  been  guilty 
of  the  most  atrocious  deeds,  and  was  attended  with  the  most 
exquisite  pains. 

The  cause  of  his  death.  Our  sins  called  for  the  wrath  and 
vengeance  of  God,  which  he  bore  as  our  Surety ;  but  it  was 
love  that  prompted  him  to  this  act  of  unexampled  philan- 
thropy and  disinterestedness,  "  For  scarcely  for  a  righteous 
man  will  one  die ;  yet  peradventui'e  for  a  good  man  some 
would  even  dare  to  die.  But  God  commendeth  his  love  to- 
ward us,  in  that  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for 
us." 

The  period  of  his  death.  "  In  due  time:"  because  it  was 
the  period  arranged  in  the  covenant  between  the  Father  and 
the  Son ;  because  it  accorded  with  the  ancient  predictions 
that  foretold  it ;  because  it  agreed  with  the  many  promises 
that  insured  it,  and  with  regard  to  the  awful  condition  of  the 
world.  It  was  now  time  that  IMessiah  should  put  away  sin 
by  the  sacrifice  of  himself;  there  was  a  general  expectation 
for  him  as  the  promised  Deliverer ;  many  were  looking  for 
redemption  in  Jerusalem,  and  waiting  for  the  consolation  of 
Isi*ael. 


169  THE    HOLY    CALLING. 

The  effects  of  his  death.  These  are  glorious,  both  as  it 
respects  the  perfections  of  God,  and  the  interests  of  man.  A 
way  is  opened  for  man  to  the  holiest  of  all.  The  rolling 
clouds  of  incense  and  pillars  of  smoke  no  longer  ascend 
towards  heaven  ;  the  fire  in  the  temple  has  gone  put,  and  cost- 
ly sacrifices,  and  blood  of  bulls  and  goats  are  no  longer  re- 
quired ;  for  that  dispensation  has  passed  away,  and  the  Gospel 
temple  has  been  dedicated,  and  the  altar  has  been  sprinkled 
with  blood  more  precious  than  ever  was  shed  by  ancient 
priests  in  imposing  attire,  as  they  waited  upon  Jehovah  in  the 
holiest  of  all,  within  the  veil. 


JUNE   3. 

THE  HOLY  CALLING. 

"  An  holy  calling."  —  2  Tim.  i.  9. 


Much  is  said  in  Scripture  of  the  Christian's  calling. 
There  is  an  external  and  internal  call ;  the  one  is  the  general 
call  of  the  Gospel,  the  other  is  the  particular  call  of  the 
Spirit.  To  the  latter  of  these  our  text  refers.  Let  us  view 
it 

In  its  nature.  It  includes  the  work  of  the  Spirit  in  the 
soul. 

It  is  extensive.  This  will  be  seen  by  considering  from  and 
to  what  the  believer  is  called ;  from  darkness  to  light,  from 
bondage  to  liberty,  from  impurity  to  holiness,  from  poverty  to 
riches,  from  degradation  to  honor,  from  misery  to  happiness. 

It  is  secret.  There  is  no  outward  appearance  or  audible 
voice,  but  God  speaks  to  the  soul.  "  The  kingdom  of  God 
cometh  not  with  observation."  The  Spirit's  operations  are 
silent  and  secret, — 

"  His  poorer  and  glory  work  within, 
And  break  the  chains  of  reigning  sin." 

It  is  effectual.  The  heart  of  man  is  shut  against  God.  By 
the  word  of  the  Gosjiel,  he  knocks  and  waits  for  admittance  ; 
but  it  is  not  till  the  power  of  the  Spirit  is  exerted  in  bursting 
asunder  the  iron  bars  and  bolts  which  fasten  it,  that  the  door 
flies  open,  and  the  King  of  glory  enters  in.  Contemplate  this 
calling 


THE   HOLY   CALLING.  161 

In  its  property.     Why  is  it  designated  an  holy  calling  ? 

Its  Author  is  holy.  "  He  which  hath  called  you  is  holy." 
There  may  be  a  clear  and  comprehensive  statement  of  Di- 
vine truth,  faithful  and  affectionate  appeals  ;  learning  may  un- 
fold its  stores,  eloquence  may  dazzle,  and  rhetoric  may  strew 
her  flowers,  but  all  Avill  prove  unavailing  without  the  Spirit's 
influence  ;  he  alone  can  impart  the  light  of  wisdom,  instil  the 
breath  of  life,  and  kindle  the  flame  of  love  in  the  soul. 

Its  designs  are  holy.  The  implantation  and  promotion  of 
holiness  is  God's  end  in  all  his  dealings  with  us,  whether 
providential  or  gracious.  AYe  are  called  to  a  holy  state,  to 
delight  in  holy  things,  to  observe  holy  ordinances,  pursue  holy 
objects,  and  commune  with  a  holy  God  and  holy  beings. 

Its  consummation  is  holy.  It  leads  to  that  better  country 
where  the  atmosi^here  is  pure  and  untainted ;  where  every 
thing  bears  the  mark  and  impress  of  holiness ;  the  employ- 
ments, the  pleasures,  the  worship,  and  the  song,  are  all  con- 
nected with  holiness.     View  this  calling 

In  its  obligations.  Has  God  called  us  with  an  holy 
calling?  then  there  should  be 

Gratitude.  Consider  where  grace  found  you,  an  abject 
slave,  in  prison  ;  what  it  has  made  you,  an  adopted  child  of 
God;  where  it  will  conduct  you,  to  your  Father's  house 
above.  Raise  your  altar,  approach  your  Maker,  present 
your  sacrifice,  commence  your  song  :  "  Thanks  be  unto  God 
lor  his  unspeakable  gift." 

Humility.  Grace  humbles  while  it  elevates  ;  and  the  more 
we  are  loaded  with  divine  benefits,  the  deeper  should  we  sink 
under  a  sense  of  our  unworthiness.  The  lowest  valleys  are 
most  fruitful ;  on  them  the  gentle  dew  descends  from  the  sur- 
rounding hills,  and  the  boughs  that  are  laden  with  fruit  bend 
towards  the  earth.  The  robe  of  righteousness  must  always 
be  connected  with  the  garments  of  humility. 

Consistency.  "  Walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith 
ye  are  called."  As  much  has  been  done  for  you  in  a  way 
of  grace,  much  is  required  of  you  in  a  way  of  evidence.  Ever 
keep  in  view  the  end  of  your  calling.  Love  the  ways  of  lio- 
liness,  follow  the  practice  of  holiness,  seek  an  increase  in  ho- 
liness, and  long  for  the  period  when  you  shall  be  perfect  in 
holiness. 

14* 


162  NEGLECT  OF  PRATER. 

JUNE  4. 

NEGLECT  OF  PRAYER. 

"  They  haye  not  called  upon  God."  —  Psalm  liii.  4. 

Atheists,  says  Henry,  are  the  greatest  fools  in  nature  ;  for 
they  see  there  is  a  world  that  could  not  make  itself,  and  yet 
they  will  not  own  there  is  a  God  that  made  it.  This  Psalm 
begins  with  an  allusion  to  the  atheist,  and  a  very  black  pic- 
ture is  drawn  of  him,  "  The  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart  there 
is  no  God  "  —  not  in  his  intellect,  not  in  his  understanding, 
not  in  his  judgment,  as  the  conviction  of  his  mind,  but  in  his 
heart ;  intimating  that  it  is  rather  his  desire  that  there  was, 
than  his  belief  that  there  is,  no  God.  A  neglect  of  calling 
upon  God  is  one  of  the  many  charges  here  preferred  against 
the  ungodly.     Observe 

A  DDTY  IMPLIED.  It  is  Calling  upon  God.  Prayer  is  ex- 
pressed by  a  variety  of  terms,  such  as  crying,  asking,  seeking, 
knocking,  waiting  on  God,  lifting  up  our  eyes  and  pouring  out 
our  hearts.     Consider  this  duty 

In  its  objects.  Our  design  in  calling  upon  God  should  be 
to  render  unto  him  that  adoration  and  praise  which  are  his 
due,  and  to  implore  those  blessings  we  requii'e.  We  are  to 
seek  the  comforts  fhat  pertain  to  this  life,  but  especially  those 
that  regard  the  soul  and  eternity.  Call  on  him  for  greater 
discoveries  of  his  grace,  and  renewed  instances  of  his  favor, 
that  you  may  rest  in  the  sunshine  of  his  countenance,  and 
partake  of  the  joys  of  his  salvation. 

In  its  manlier.  How  are  we  to  call  upon  God?  There 
must  be  faith,  a  belief  in  our  sinfulness,  God's  mercy,  Christ's 
atonement,  and  the  Spirit's  teaching  —  sincerity,  for  our 
hearts  must  be  engaged  in  the  work  —  submission,  we  must 
ask  for  things  agreeable  to  his  will  —  constancy,  "  continuing 
instant  in  prayer." 

Li  its  importance.  This  appears  when  you  consider  the 
relationship  in  which  we  stand  to  God  —  the  blessings  he  has 
to  bestow  —  his  readiness  to  confer  them  —  the  evils  that 
may  be  averted  —  the  pleasures  that  may  be  experienced  — 
and  the  advantages  that  may  be  obtained  by  it.  Prayer,  says 
one,  is  a  shelter  to  the  soul,  a  sacrifice  to  God,  and  a  scourge 
to  the  devil. 

A  SIN  EXPOSED.  "  They  have  not  called  upon  God." 
We  may  apply  tliis  charge  to  two  classes. 


THE    christian's   rRESERVATION.  163 

Those  xoho  neglect  prayer  altogetlier.  On  how  many  dwell- 
ings might  the  words  with  truth  be  inscribed  with  regard  to 
their  inhabitants,  "  They  have  not  called  upon  God."  How 
many  neglect  secret  prayer,  and  thus  call  not  upon  God  m 
the  closet ;  others  disregard  public  ordinances,  and  call  not 
upon  God  in  the  sanctuary ;  and  others  have  never  erected  a 
domestic  altar,  and  call  not  upon  God  in  the  family. 

Those  who  perform  it  with  indifference.  Many  adopt  the 
form  of  prayer,  who  know  nothing  of  its  spirit ;  and  we  have 
yet  to  say  of  multitudes  of  professors  with  all  their  high  no- 
tions, self-conceit,  and  religious  pretension,  "  They  have  not 
called  upon  God."  The  mercy-seat  has  been  approached, 
sacrifices  have  been  presented,  the  wood  of  outward  forms 
has  been  gathered,  and  the  halt  and  the  maimed  have  been 
brought  to  the  altar ;  but  there  has  been  wanting  the  fire  of 
fervoi-  and  devotion,  and  so  the  otlering  has  been  rejected. 


JUNE    O. 

THE    CHRISTIAN'S    ESTABLISHMENT    AND 
PRESERVATION. 

"  But  the  Lord  Is  faithful,  who  shall  stablish  you,  and  keep  you  from  evU." 
2  Thes.  iii.  3. 

Paul  commences  this  chapter,  by  requesting  an  interest  in 
the  prayers  of  the  believing  Thessalonians,  for  the  general 
diffusion  of  the  Gospel,  tliat  it  might  have  "  free  course  ; "  for 
its  special  application,  that  it  might  "  be  glorified"  in  the  con- 
version of  sinners  and  the  consistency  of  saints;  for  the 
preservation  and  safety  of  himself  and  his  fellow-laborers ; 
"  that  we  may  be  delivered  from  unreasonable  and  wicked 
men."     In  this  passage  we  have 

An  ENCOUKAGiNG  TKUTH.  Here  are  two  things  God 
engages  to  do  for  his  people :  the  one  regards  our  progress 
in  that  which  is  good ;  the  other  respects  our  protection  from 
that  which  is  evil. 

Our  estabUshnient.  "  Who  shall  stablish  you."  This  im- 
plies the  reception  of  certain  things  in  which  we  are  estab- 
lished. All  believers  have  received  the  truth  ;  and  it  is 
desirable,  for  their  Christian  prosperity  and  comfort,  that  they 
should  be  established  in  it.  1  Peter  v.  10.  God  establishes 
his  people  in  knowledge,  faith,  love,  hope,  and  every  gift  of 


164:  THE  christian's  preservation. 

grace.  This  is  opposed  to  a  wavering,  undecided  state  of 
mind.  Those  who  are  unstable  in  rehgious  things  cannot 
excel ;  it  is  the  steady,  firm,  and  deeply -rooted  tree  that  is 
likely  to  bear  most  fruit ;  and  not  that  which  is  continually 
being  transplanted  into  different  soils.  There  are  some  who 
are  as  wandering  stars  in  the  spiritual  firmament,  having  no 
regular  course,  and  shining  in  no  fixed  sphre,  instead  of  blend- 
ing their  light  with  some  constellation  in  the  church  below, 
that  it  may  appear  more  visible  to  those  who  ai"e  surrounded 
with  darkness  in  the  world. 

Our  preservation.  "  And  keep  you  from  evil."  There  is 
much  evil  to  which  we  are  exposed,  both  within  and  without ; 
there  is  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  which  discovei'S  itself  in 
departing  from  the  living  God ;  and  an  evil  world,  full  of 
snares  and  temptations  :  we  cannot  keep  ourselves,  but  God 
has  promised  to  do  it,  and  to  preserve  us  to  his  heavenly 
kingdom. 

The  certainty  of  its  performance.  The  argument  is 
drawn  from  the  faithfulness  of  God.     "  The  Lord  is  faithful." 

In  his  essential  character.  His  name  is  truth.  He  cannot 
act  on  contrary  principles  to  those  of  faithfulness  and  truth ; 
it  would  be  inconsistent  with  his  very  nature  to  do  so.  He  is 
faithful 

To  his  covenant  engagements.  He  has  made  a  covenant 
with  his  people  :  here  every  necessary  arrangement  and  ade- 
quate provision  is  made ;  it  is  ordered  in  all  things,  and  sure, 
as  it  rests  on  an  immutable  Jehovah.     He  is  faithful 

To  his  gracious  promise.  In  the  world  how  often  are  ex- 
pectations raised,  that  are  never  realized ;  but  not  so  with 
regard  to  the  believer.  Friends  may  betray,  and,  leaning  on 
the  flattering  promises  of  the  world,  we  may  be  the  subjects 
of  the  most  grevious  disappointment ;  but,  trusting  in  God,  we 
cannot  be  ashamed. 

"  None  that  attend  his  gatep  shall  find 
A  God  unfaithful  or  unliiud." 


GRACE  AND  PEACE.  165 

JUNE  6. 

GRACE  AND  PEACE. 

"  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 
1  Thes.  i.  1. 

The  Thessalonians  had  received  the  word  in  much  afflic- 
tion ;  the  standard  of  the  cross  was  not  planted  among  them 
without  much  opposition  from  the  enemy's  ranks.  For  them 
the  Apostle  expresses  his  best  desires.  Let  us  view  the 
blessings  he  here  implores  for  them  in  three  ways. 

In  their  fulness.  "  Grace  be  unto  you  and  peace." 
Here  is  the  best  wish  we  can  express  for  those  whom  we  love. 
Examine  them  each  separately. 

Grace.  But  did  not  the  Thessalonians  possess  grace  ?  Had 
they  not  received  the  truth  in  the  love  of  it  ?  Yes,  but  they 
require  more  grace.  "What  would  be  the  consequence,  if  God 
were  to  leave  us  to  our  own  resources  ?  How  soon  would 
the  lamp  go  out,  if  the  oil  were  withheld  —  how  soon  would 
the  well  dry  up,  if  the  springs  were  to  cease  flowing  — 
what  would  become  of  the  plants  and  flowers  of  the  garden, 
if  the  genial  influence  of  the  sun,  and  the  fructifying  quali- 
ties of  the  showers  from  heaven,  were  no  more  felt  ?  What 
would  the  new-born  infant  do  without  the  mother's  care,  and 
the  nurse's  attentions?  So  the  subjects  of  grace  must  be  train- 
ed up,  tutored,  and  made  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints 
in  light.  "  He  giveth  more  grace :  "  —  grace  for  every  sea- 
son, duty,  trial,  and  exigency ;  quickening  grace  to  enliven 
us,  sustaining  grace  to  support  us,  enlightening  grace  to  teach 
us,  and  comforting  grace  to  console  us. 

Peace.  Whei'e  grace  is  bestowed,  peace  is  enjoyed ;  the 
living  fountain  of  grace  in  the  heart  sends  forth  the  silent 
streams  of  peace  in  the  soul ;  and  although  sometimes  those 
streams  may  be  rippled  and  agitated  with  the  rising  of  the  tide 
of  sorrow,  yet  the  troubled  waters  shall  again  be  smoothed, 
and  peace  shall  flow  like  a  river.  Contemplate  these  bless- 
ings 

In  ther  origin.     "  From  God  our  Father."     Notice 

His  essential  title.  This  grace  and  peace  are  from  God ; 
they  spring  from  his  heart,  which  is  the  dwelling  place  of  his 
love.     He  is  emphatically  called,  "  the  God  of  all  grace." 

His  endearing  relationship.  "  Our  Fathei'."  None  can 
rightly  use  this  appellation,  but  those  who  are  adopted  into 
his  family,  and  regenerated  by  his  grace.     How  great  is  the 


1G6  THE    CHARACTER    OF    HEAVEN'S    INHABITANTS. 

love,  how  kind  are  the  dealings,  how  important  are  the  in- 
structions, and  how  rich  are  the  provisions  of  this  Father ! 
Look  at  these  blessings. 

In  THEIR  MEDIUM.  "And  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  He 
is  the  only  medium  of  communication  from  earth  to  heaven, 
and  from  heaven  to  earth.  He  is  called  "  our  peace."  Saints 
on  earth  and  saints  in  heaven  unite,  though  in  different 
strains,  in  the  grand  chorus,  the  sentiment  of  which  nothing 
can  equal,  "  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain,  to  receive 
power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honor,  and 
glory,  and  blessing." 


JUNE   7. 

THE  CHAEACTER  OF  HEAVEN'S  INHABITANTS. 

"  Thy  people  also  shall  be  all  righteous  ;  they  shall  inherit  the  land  forever,  the 
branch  of  my  planting,  the  work  of  my  hands,  that  I  may  be  glorified."  —  Isa.  Ix.  21. 

The  chapter  of  which  these  words  are  a  part,  has  a  pri- 
mary reference  to  the  happy  state  of  the  Jews  after  their  de- 
liverance from  the  Babylonish  captivity  ;  but  it  also  points  us 
to  the  latter  day's  glory,  when  the  Jews  shall  be  brought  in 
with  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles.  The  prophets,  in  describing 
the  glories  of  the  church  militant,  often  refer  in  the  most 
glowing  language  to  the  joys  of  the  church  triumphant ;  and  in 
this  chapter  there  are  many  expressions  that  will  only  apply 
to  the  state  of  believers  in  glory.  Considering  this  passage, 
therefore,  as  a  description  of  the  new  Jerusalem  above,  let  us 
notice 

The  character  of  its  inhabitants.  Here  is  a  three- 
fold representation  given  of  them,  partly  in  the  language  of 
fact,  and  partly  in  figure. 

They  are  his  people.  A  people  formed  peculiarly  for  him- 
self; not  only  created  by  his  power  and  sustained  by  his 
Providence,  but  redeemed  by  his  grace.  Observe  the  par- 
ticular description  —  "  righteous."  None  are  so  by  nature  ; 
but  all  believers  are  so,  in  the  act  of  justification,  and  in  the 
work  of  sanctification  ;  or  by  the  remission  of  their  sins,  and 
the  renovation  of  their  souls.  Notice  the  universal  applica- 
tion —  "  Thy  people  shall  be  all  righteous."  They  must  be 
so,  for  God  has  declared  it;  they  must  be  so  in  the  very  nature 
of  things,  for  the  "  unrighteous  shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom 
of  God." 


THE    PERPETUITY    OF   HEAVEN'S    JOYS.  1G7 

Tliey  are  his  hranch.  This  you  will  perceive  is  the  lan- 
guage of  figure.  Believers  are  not  withered  branches,  tied 
on  to  the  true  vine  by  profession,  but  flourishing  ones  united 
to  the  root ;  planted  in  the  garden  of  the  church,  being  re- 
moved from  tlie  wilderness  of  the  world  to  a  more  congenial 
soil,  and  bringing  forth  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit. 

They  are  his  toork.  They  are  so  as  creatures,  but  peculi- 
larly  so  as  Christians.  Whatever  change  they  have  experi- 
enced, he  is  the  Author  of  it.  Here  is  a  work  of  Almighty 
power,  soverign  grace,  and  boundless  mercy  ;  the  admiration 
of  angels,  and  the  envy  of  devils.  He  commences  it  in  con- 
version —  carries  it  on  by  his  Spirit  in  the  heart,  and  will 
consummate  it  in  glory  everlasting.  Let  me  seriously  inquire 
if  I  am  among  the  number  of  God's  people.  Do  I  bear  the 
marks  and  evidences  that  belong  to  them  ?  This  is  a  question 
of  paramount  importance,  which  must  be  settled  ere  long. 


JUNE    8. 

THE   PERPETUITY  OF  HEAVEN'S   JOYS. 

"  Thy  people  also  shall  he  all  righteous ;  they  shall  inlierit  the  land  forever,  the 
branch  of  my  planting,  the  work  of  my  hands,  that  I  may  be  glorified."  —  Isa.  Ix.  21. 

Amidst  the  storms  and  tempests  of  life  with  which  the 
Christian  pilgrim  is  beset,  how  delightful  is  it  for  him  to  retire 
to  the  -peaceful  streams  of  that  river  which  makes  glad  the 
city  of  God  !  Here  he  experiences  a  foretaste  of  tliose  enjoy- 
ments which  are  in  reserve  for  him  in  the  heavenly  paradise. 
Let  us  now  contemplate  heaven  in 

The  pkrpetuity  of  its  joys.  "They  shall  inherit  the 
land  forever."     Observe 

The  2^lnce  of  destination.  "The  land."  The  land  of  Ca- 
naan was  typical  of  the  heavenly  state  in  many  points  of  view. 
It  is  a  joyful  land.  There  is  every  thing  to  produce  the 
higliest  pleasure  and  satisfaction  —  as  they  are  free  from  sin, 
out  of  the  reach  of  sorrow,  and  in  close  and  uninterrupted 
communion  with  God.  It  is  an  extensive  land.  Here  our 
enjoyments  are  limited  and  partial ;  there  they  shall  be  full 
and  unbounded.  It  is  a  peaceful  land.  There  universal  har- 
mony prevails,  and  the  mind  is  calm  and  unruflfled  as  the  face 
of  nature  on  a  quiet  summer's  evening.  It  is  a  holy  land. 
As  there  is  no  sorrow  to  disturb,  so  there  is  no  sin  to  defile. 


168  FEAR   AND    CONFIDENCE, 

The  manner  of  possessio7i.  "  They  shall  inherit  the  land." 
They  shall  enter  on  it,  not  by  natural  right,  but  by  gracious 
permission  ;  by  virtue  of  their  adoption  into  the  family  of  God. 
"  If  children,  then  heirs."  They  shall  inherit  it  as  they  are 
chosen  by  the  sovereign  will  of  the  Father,  ransomed  by  the 
precious  blood  of  the  Son,  and  renewed  by  the  gracious  power 
of  the  Spirit. 

The  term  of  enjoyment.  "  Forever."  It  is  an  inheritance 
cemented  by  age,  and  enhanced  by  enjoyment.  The  most 
beautiful  garland  which  the  world  can  weave  soon  withers  on 
the  brow  of  him  who  wears  it,  and  is  fastened  with  a  thread 
which  is  liable  to  break  at  every  breeze  ;  but  eternity  is  the 
knot  that  binds  the  crown  of  life,  that  diadem  of  glory  which 
fadeth  not  away. 

The  design  op  the  whole.  "  That  I  may  be  glorified." 
But  how  is  this  the  case  ?     God  is  glorified 

In  the  salvation  of  his  Son.  The  name,  character,  govern- 
ment, and  perfections  of  the  Deity  are  glorified  in  the  redemp- 
tion of  Christ. 

In  the  work  of  grace.  In  the  conversion  of  every  sinner, 
and  in  the  maturing  of  the  gi'accs  in  every  believer,  glory 
redounds  to  God. 

In  the  eternal  praises  of  his  people.  Where  the  heart  has 
been  opened  by  the  power  of  God's  grace,  the  mouth  will  be 
open  in  the  celebration  of  his  glory.  Praise  is  the  very  em- 
ployment of  heaven  ;  and  glory  to  God  will  be  the  theme  of 
every  tongue,  the  feeling  of  every  heart,  and  the  burden  of 
every  song. 


JUNE    9. 

FEAR  AND   CONFIDENCE. 

"  What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will  trast  in  thee."  —  Psalm  M.  3. 

The  circumstances  under  which  this  Psalm  was  penned, 
are  of  the  most  trying  description.  David  fled  from  the  fury 
of  Saul  to  Gath,  and  there  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Philis- 
tines. You  may  read  the  historical  account  in  1  Sam.  xxi. 
10,  11.     In  the  passage  we  have 

A  SEASON  OF  DISTRESS.  "  What  time  I  am  afraid."  This 
was  a  time  of  fear  to  David  —  and  there  are  periods  in  the 


FEAR   AND    COXFIDEXCE.  169 

history  and  experience  of  tlie  believer  when  he  is  afraid.  His 
fears  arise  from  various  sources. 

Personal  affliction.  "  The  heart  knoweth  its  own  bitter- 
ness." How  many  mourn  in  secret,  and  have  their  silent 
misgivings,  with  which  none  but  themselves  are  acquainted ! 
Perhaps  there  is  a  long  and  protracted  illness,  a  sudden  re- 
verse of  circumstances,  or  some  unexpected  visitation  of  dis- 
tress, which  causes  fear  and  trembling. 

Relative  trials.  There  is  much  to  try  us  in  connection 
with  the  world  and  mankind  —  in  our  families  and  social  cir- 
cles. How  often  does  death  snap  asunder  the  most  tender 
ties,  and  treachery  betray  the  most  sacred  trust !  Some  have 
to  mourn  the  death,  and  others  the  impiety  and  unconcern,  of 
relatives. 

Mental  distress.  Christians  have  not  only  their  outward, 
but  inward  sources  of  fear  ;  and  these  arise  from  the  tempta- 
tions of  the  great  adversary,  and  the  remains  of  corruption 
within.  Turn  from  the  dark  to  the  bright  side  of  the  subject, 
and  notice, 

A  SOURCE  OF  RELIEF.  "  I  will  trust  in  thee."  Confidence 
in  God  is  calculated  to  allay  our  fears.     Look  at 

Its  object.  It  is  God  himself.  In  the  season  of  distress, 
you  may  as  well  attempt  to  rest  on  a  straw,  or  be  defended  by 
a  sliadow,  as  to  seek  solid  relief  from  the  world.  There  must 
be  confidence  in  his  perfections,  covenant,  word,  promises, 
and  grace. 

Its  nature.  How  is  it  to  be  exercised?  Entirely  —  some 
try  to  divide  their  confidence  between  God  and  the  world  ;  but 
we  must  rest  all  on  him',  and  let  no  other  trust  intrude.  Joy- 
fully —  for  there  is  every  thing  in  God  to  excite  such  a  feel- 
ing. Continually  —  we  must  never  give  up  our  hold :  "  Cast 
not  away  your  confidence,  which  hath  great  recompense  of 
reward." 

Its  reasonableness.  "\Ylio  can  lay  a  greater  claim  to  our 
confidence  than  he  in  whose  hands  our  breath  is,  and  whose 
are  all  our  M-ays  ?  The  character  of  God,  the  testimony  of 
In's  word,  and  the  experience  of  his  people,  all  unite  to  sliow 
its  reasonableness  —  death,  judgment,  and  eternity  will  prove 
it. 

15 


170  THE    SIN    OF    REJECTING    CHRIST. 

JUNE    10. 

THE   SIN  OF   REJECTING   CHRIST. 

"  He  came  unto  his  own,  and  his  own  received  him  not."  —  John  i.  11. 

"  God  manifest  in  the  flesh,"  is  the  mystery  of  mysteries. 
Surely  at  his  coming,  all  mankind  ought  to  have  paid  him 
homage,  and  welcomed  his  approach ;  while  the  whole  crea- 
tion re-echoed  with  the  sound  of  harmony,  love,  and  praise, 
"Thanks  be  unto  God  for  his  unspeakable  gift."  But  no  — 
"  He  came  unto  his  own,  and  his  own  received  him  not." 
Observe  here 

A  DISINTERESTED  ACT,  "  He  Came  unto  his  own."  Con- 
sider 

W7ience  he  came.  From  heaven,  where  he  received  the 
praises  and  acclamations  of  countless  myriads  of  shining  hosts. 
How  dignified  his  character !     How  exalted  his  honors  ! 

Where  he  came.  .  Into  this  world ;  a  distant  spot  in  his  do- 
minions ;  "  unto  his  own."  His  own  territories,  or  his  own 
people,  the  Jews ;  those  wdio  were  his  in  a  peculiar  manner, 
as  his  covenant-professing  people,  his  kindred  according  to  the 
flesh. 

How  he  came.  He  appeared  in  human  form  ;  the  splendor 
of  his  divinity  was  veiled  in  the  cloud  of  his  humanity.  Je- 
sus tabernacled  among  us,  clothed  in  a  body  like  our  own. 
He  came  in  a  lowly  condition,  yet  willingly. 

Why  he  came.  He  came  to  repair  the  ruins  of  the  fall,  to 
reveal  to  us  the  glories  of  immortality,  and  open  up  a  new 
and  living  way  to  the  holiest  of  all,  that  sinners  might  once 
more  approach  the  offended  Majesty  of  heaven,  and  receive 
those  blessings  that  alone  can  save  the  soul. 

An  awful  CRIME.  "  His  own  received  him  not."  Ob- 
serve, with  respect  to  this  sin  of  rejecting  the  Saviour,  four 
things  : 

Its  nature.  The  Jews  believed  not  his  Divine  mission, 
treated  him  as  an  impostor,  and  at  last  crucified  him.  But 
is  not  Christ  rejected  now  ?  Are  there  not  many  who  dis- 
own him  as  their  Redeemer,  slight  his  offers  of  mercy,  crucify 
him  afresh,  and  put  him  to  an  open  .shame  ? 

Its  cause.  Whence  is  it  that  Clirist  is  not  received  ?  He 
comes  to  us  in  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  and  entreats  us 
to  embrace  him.     It  arises  from  ignorance,  enmity,   preju- 


LOOKING   AND    WAITING    FOR    GOD.  171 

dice,  love  of  the  world,  self-righteousness,  insensibility,  and 
carnal  indifference. 

Its  agfjravation.  Can  we  imagine  a  greater  crime  ?  buch 
individuals  sin  in  spite  of  God's  goodness,  dash  away  from 
them  the  cup  of  salvation ;  and  while  with  one  hand  they 
receive  his  benefits,  with  the  other  they  bid  him  defiance. 

Its  danfjer.  Those  who  reject  Christ  expose  themselves 
to  the  awful  tempest  of  Jehovah's  wrath,  and  have  no  cloak 
for  their  sins.  O  my  soul !  receive  him,  and  make  him  thy 
Portion,  Redeemer,  Friend,  Saviour,  and  thy  all. 


JUNE    11. 

LOOKING  AND  WAITING  FOR  GOD. 

"  Therefore  I  will  look  unto  the  Lord  ;  I  will  wait  for  the  God  of  my  salvation  ;  my 
God  will  hear  me."  —  Micah  vii.  7. 

The  times  in  which  the  prophet  IMicah  lived,  were  marked 
by  every  kind  of  wickedness  and  depravity.  There  appears 
to  have  been  a  general  declension  from  God  and  his  ways. 
It  was  seen  among  the  various  classes  of  society,  in  the  un- 
natural disposition  manifested  by  relatives,  and  the  betraying 
of  confidence  in  professed  friends.  It  is  well  when  our 
troubles  induce  us  to  look  more  towards  God,  and  less  to 
creatures.     This  was  the  case  with  the  prophet.     Observe 

His  CLAIM.  It  is  the  highest  that  can  be  made  by  any 
created  being. 

llie  interesting  title  of  God.  "  The  God  of  my  salvation." 
This  is  true  of  temporal  deliverances,  but  more  especially  of 
spiritual  blessings.  He  is  the  God  of  our  salvation,  as  his 
wisdom  devised  it,  his  grace  purposed  it,  his  Son  accomplished 
it,  his  Si)irit  applies  it,  his  word  reveals  it,  and  his  ministers 
annoimce  it. 

The  appropriating  act  of  faith.  "  My  salvation,  my  God." 
Here  is  the  very  soul  and  spirit  of  religion ;  its  personal  ap- 
plication. What  a  portion  has  the  Christian  !  "  My  God  ; " 
his  perfections  are  mine,  engaged  for  my  comfort  and  salva- 
tion ;  his  covenant  is  mine,  he  has  shown  it  to  me  ;  his  word 
is  mine,  hidden  in  my  heart ;  his  grace  is  mine,  implanted  in 
my  soul ;  his  providence  is  mine,  to  direct  me  ;  his  promises 
are  mine,  to  comfort  me ;  his  ordinances  are  mine,  to  refresh 
me ;  and  his  angels  are  mine,  as  ministering  spirits  on  earth, 
and  associated  companions  in  heaven. 


172  THE   ALMIGHTY    GOD. 

His  resolution.  Two  things  lie  here  resolves  to  do,  and 
both  Jire  very  fit  and  proper  exercises  for  the  Christian. 

To  look.  But  where  ?  Some  look  to  the  world ;  to  its 
riches,  pleasures,  fame,  and  fortune,  for  comfort ;  but  the  be- 
liever looks  higher.  It  is  a  look  of  faith,  we  believe  God's 
word ;  a  look  of  love,  we  admire  while  we  gaze  ;  a  look  of 
desire,  we  long  for  fresh  discoveries  ;  a  look  of  humility,  we 
bow  in  adoration  ;  a  look  of  hope,  for  though  clouds  some- 
times gather  around  us,  the  beams  of  hope  dart  through  them, 
and  we  resolve  with  Jonah  to  look  again  towards  God's  holy 
temple. 

To  tvait.  It  is  our  privilege  that  God  waits  to  be  gracious  ; 
it  is  our  duty  to  wait  that  he  may  bestow  his  grace  on  us. 
We  must  wait  on  him,  depending  on  his  Spirit,  urged  by  our 
wants,  and  encouraged  by  his  promises. 

His  assurance.  "  ]My  God  will  hear  me."  Every  Christ- 
ian may  be  confident  of  this.  But  how  ?  From  his  gra- 
cious character,  the  mediation  of  his  Son,  the  testimony  of 
his  word,  and  his  own  past  experience. 


JUNE   12. 
THE  ALMIGHTY  GOD. 

"  I  am  the  Almighty  God."  —  Gen.  xvii.  1. 


So  said  God  to  Abraham.  What  an  extraordinary  char- 
acter was  he  who  is  called,  by  way  of  eminence,  "  the  father 
of  the  faithful ! "  He  honored  God  by  the  strength  of  his 
faith,  and  God  honored  him  by  the  manifestations  of  his  fa- 
vor. In  the  consideration  of  this  interesting  passage,  let  us 
here  remark 

What  God  is.  "I  am  the  Almighty  God."  God  is  made 
known  by  a  variety  of  names  and  titles ;  the  one  before  us  is 
very  encouraging  to  his  friends,  but  very  terrific  to  his  ene- 
mies. While  he  is  Almighty  to  reward  the  one,  he  is  Al- 
mighty to  punish  the  other.  The  Hebrew  word  is  El-shad- 
dai,  which  is  translated  in  our  old  English  version,  "  I  am 
God  all-sufficient."     This  name  of  God  includes 

21ie  unlimited  extent  of  his  poiver.  We  have  innumera- 
ble evidences  of  this,  in  the  various  w^orks  of  nature,  from 
the  mightiest  to  the  meanest ;  in  the  diversified  operations  of 
his  providence,  extending  to  everything  that  he  has  made ; 


WALKING   BEFORE    GOD.  173 

and  in  the  sovereign  displays  of  his  grace,  which  gladden 
the  hearts  of  his  people ;  but  these  are  only  "  the  hidings  of 
his  power."  Who  can  estimate  what  the  full  development  of 
it  would  be  ? 

Tlie  universal  dominion  of  his  providence.  It  extends  to 
the  highest  heavens,  over  angelic  hosts,  and  redeemed  spirits, 
to  the  farthest  boundaries  of  the  world ;  over  all  its  inhabi- 
tants, rational  and  irrational ;  and  to  the  most  distant  corner 
of  hell,  over  devils  and  lost  spirits. 

Hie  rich  abundance  of  his  resources.  He  is  God  Al- 
mighty, or  God  all-sufficient  and  enough.  He  is  so  in  him- 
self; holy,  happy,  and  blessed,  independently  of  any  of  the 
beings  whom  he  has  made  ;  and  he  has  a  sufficiency  for  us. 
There  is  enough  in  him  to  supply  every  other  defect,  to  sat- 
isfy all  our  desires  however  enlarged,  to  sanctify  our  souls 
however  polluted,  to  justify  our  persons  however  guilty,  and 
to  enrich  us  however  poor.  Where  beside  can  you  find  such 
a  source? 


JUNE    13. 

WALKING  BEFORE  GOD. 

"  Walk  before  mc,  and  be  thou  perfect."  —  Gen.  xvii.  1. 

The  Christian  life  is  frequently  compared  to  a  walk,  which 
intimates  the  existence  of  a  spiritual  principle,  the  exercise 
of  that  principle  bringing  it  into  action,  and  the  increase  and 
progression  of  it.  Believers  walk  after  God,  as  servants  — 
with  God,  as  friends  — and  before  him,  as  children.  We  are 
led  here  to  the  contemplation  of 

What  God  requires.  The  exhortation  here  given  is  to 
be  taken  under  certain  limitations.  When  we  are  called  up- 
on to  be  perfect,  it  does  not  intimate  that  sinless  perfection  is 
attainable  here,  but  that  we  are  to  be  sincere,  and  in  every 
possible  way  endeavor  to  advance  towards  such  a  holy  and 
happy  state.  Four  things  are  involved  in  God's  require- 
ment. 

A  constant  recognition  of  his  presence.  How  few  are 
there  who  cultivate  such  a  desirable  feeling  !  Walking  be- 
foi'e  any  individual  of  distinction  is  calculated  to  make  ns 
particular  and  circumspect  as  to  our  carriage  :  if  the  mind  is 
so  influenced  by  the  presence  of  a  fellow-creatui-e,  how  much 
more  shouhl  it  be  with  the  consciousness  that  we  are  sur- 
rounded with  the  Deity  ! 
15* 


174  THE  christian's  resolution. 

A  sincere  obedience  to  his  laws.  Thus  we  are  enjoined 
to  walk  in  his  statutes  and  ordinances,  and  to  keep  his  vraj. 
We  must  walk  before  him  in  all  religious  duties  and  devo- 
tional engagements,  whether  secret,  social,  domestic,  or  public. 
We  are  really  what  we  are  before  God. 

A71  earnest  aim  at  his  ghry.  This  should  be  our  motive 
for  action,  and  the  governing  principle  of  our  minds,  that 
God  in  all  things  may  be  glorified. 

A  holy  imitation  of  his  perfections.  There  are  many  of 
the  essential  attributes  of  Jehovah  that  are  inimitable ;  but 
his  moral  perfections  are  placed  before  us  as  our  pattern. 
Thus  we  are  called  upon  to  be  followers  of  God,  to  be  mer- 
ciful as  he  is  merciful,  holy  as  he  is  holy,  and  perfect  as  he  is 
perfect.  There  is  a  sense  in  which  we  are  all  Avalking  be- 
fore God.  No  power  or  policy  can  screen  us  from  the  eye 
of  his  Omniscience ;  like  the  lightning's  flash,  or  the  me- 
ridian sunbeam,  it  peneti-ates  into  the  innermost  recesses  of 
the  heart,  and  throws  a  glare  of  light  on  things  concealed 
from  human  eye. 


JUNE   14. 
THE  CHRISTIAN'S  RESOLUTION. 

"  Recause  thy  loving-kindness  is  better  than  life,  my  lips  shall  praise  thee." 
Psalm  Ijdii.  3. 

The  Christian  sees  through  a  different  medium  to  that  of 
the  ungodly,  and  forms  his  estimate  of  things  accoi-ding  to  a 
Divine  principle  implanted  within  him  ;  while  they  judge 
after  the  flesh  and  according  to  their  sinful  inclinations.  In 
this  passage  we  have  the  noble  determination  of  David,  who 
was  thus  divinely  taught.     Observe 

The  favor  he  acknowledges.  "  Thy  loving-kindness." 
This  is  a  delightful  theme.     Consider 

Its  divine  source.  It  is  composed  of  two  words,  the  first 
referring  to  cause,  and  the  second  to  eflfect.  There  may  be 
kindness  shown  where  thei'e  is  no  particular  feeling  of  love. 
When  we  see  an  object  of  distress,  Ave  may  be  prompted  to 
aifoi'd  relief,  from  the  common  principles  and  feelings  of  our 
nature,  while  there  is  no  love  or  affection  exercised  towards 
that  object.     But  here  is  fo«;r/i(/-kindness. 

Its  comprehensive  nature.  It  includes  all  needful  supplies, 
the  arrangements  and  provisions  of  the  covenant,  that  spirit- 


SALVATION   OF   GRACE.  175 

ual  life  which  believers  possess,  the  gift  of  God's  Spirit,  the 
tokens  of  his  fiivor,  and  the  communications  of  his  grace. 

Its  suitable  character.  Loving-kindness  is  displayed  in  a 
way  suited  to  our  condition  as  sinners.  God  dispenses  mercy 
to  the  miserable,  and  pardon  to  the  guilty. 

The  ESTIMATE  HE  EOU3IS.  "  Thy  loving-kindness  is  bet- 
ter than  life."     Because 

It  supj)Ucs  the  deficiencies  of  life.  One  has  observed,  a 
man  may  have  enough  of  the  world  to  sink  him,  but  he  can 
never  have  enough  to  satisfy  him.  There  is  a  dissatisfaction 
of  mind  necessarily  connected  with  all  creature  enjoyments 
—  but  the  loving-kindness  of  God  puts  us  in  possession  of 
that  which  is  infinitely  better  than  life. 

It  alleviates  iJie  sorrows  of  life.  It  enables  the  Christian 
to  recognise  in  all  his  afflictions  a  Father's  gentle  hand,  sov- 
ereign love,  and  gracious  design ;  and  assures  us,  that,  Avhen 
the  precious  metal  of  grace  has  been  tried,  and  the  Avorthlesa 
dross  of  sin  has  been  consumed,  we  shall  come  forth  from 
the  furnace  of  aflliction,  as  gold  that  hns  been  seven  times 
purified. 

It  sweetens  the  comforts  of  life.  "We  may  have  all  things 
ricldy  to  enjoy,  from  the  bountiful  hand  of  God's  providence, 
while  we  have  no  share  in  the  blessings  of  his  grace.  His 
loving-kindness  gives  a  relish  to  our  common  mercies. 

The  KESOLUTioN  HE  MAKES.  "  My  lips  shall  praise  thee." 
There  must  be  a  verljal  acknowledgment  of  an  internal  feel- 
ing ;  the  homage  of  the  heart  accompanied  with  the  expres- 
sion of  the  lip,  and  a  practical  exemplification  of  it  in  a  holy 
and  devoted  life.  Christians  have  to  praise  God,  not  only  as 
rational  creatures,  but  renewed  beings.  It  is  right  that  the 
lieart  he  has  changed  should  beat  with  his  love,  and  that  the 
tongue  he  has  loosed  should  celebrate  his  praise. 


JUNE   15. 
SALVATION   OF  GRACE. 

"  Forbj  grace  arc  ye  saved  through  faith  ;  and   that  notof  yoursolTes  ;  it  is  the  gift 
of  God  :  not  of  worlvs,  lest  any  man  should  boast.'' — liph.  ii.  8,  9. 

GuACE  is  Paul's  fiivorite  theme  in  his  epistles,  and  a  sweet 
topic  it  is;  it  is  the  leading  feature  and  chai'acleristic  of  the 
Gospel.     AYe  must  refer  to  it  as  the  source  of  all  our  mei'- 


176  SALVATION    OF    GRACE. 

cies,  and  the  spring  of  all  our  enjoyments.  Four  tilings  are 
here  mentioned  respecting  our  salvation. 

Its  NATURE.  The  apostle  speaks  of  it  as  present:  he 
does  not  say  ye  shall  be,  but  ye  are  saved  ;  because  it  is  the 
privilege  of  believers,  even  here  on  earth,  to  partake  of 
heavenly  enjoyments.     Salvation  consists  in 

A  deliverance  from  the  greatest  evils.  We  are  saved  from 
the  guilt  of  sin,  by  being  clothed  in  the  righteousness  of 
Christ ;  from  the  pollution  of  sin,  by  being  sanctified  by  the 
Spirit ;  from  the  love  and  dominion  of  sin,  by  the  implan- 
tation of  a  master  principle  in  the  heart.  We  are  saved 
from  Satan's  tyranny,  the  law's  curses,  the  pangs  of  a  guilty 
conscience,  Jehovah's  wrath,  and  the  torments  of  the  lost  in 
hell. 

The  enjoyment  of  the  greatest  good.  Believers  are  not  only 
released  from  their  abject  and  miserable  condition  by  nature, 
but  put  in  possession  of  positive  good.  All  spiritual  blessings 
are  imparted  to  them.  The  raging  tempest  is  hushed,  and 
there  is  a  great  calm ;  the  spirit  is  no  longer  trembling  and 
agitated  under  a  sense  of  conscious  guilt;  the  olive  branch  of 
peace  is  placed  in  the  bosom,  and  a  still  small  voice  whispers, 
"  Thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee."  "  Ye  are  saved."  Christiaiis, 
already  you  enjoy  a  sweet  foretaste  of  the  joy  you  shall  feel, 
when  in  glory  you  have  obtained  the  end  of  your  faith,  even 
the  salvation  of  your  soul. 

Its  origin.  "  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved."  Three  things 
will  prove  salvation  to  be  of  grace  with  regard  to  man. 

He  has  no  claim  in  the  merit  of  it.  Have  we  not  for- 
feited all  claims  to  the  favor  of  God,  and  cut  ourselves  off 
from  communion  with  him?  He  might  in  justice  have  sent  the 
destroying  angel  to  punish  us  with  eternal  destruction  ;  but 
in  mercy  he  sent  his  beloved  Son  to  redeem  us. 

He  lias  no  power  for  the  accomplishment  of  it.  Man  is 
spoken  of  as  being  "  without  strength ;"  as  universally  de- 
praved in  all  his  powers  and  passions,  and  by  sin  incapacitated 
for  holding  communion  with  God,  and  totally  unable  to  work 
out  his  own  salvation. 

He  has  no  inclination  for  the  reception  of  it.  There  is  not 
only  an  alienation  of  the  mind  from  God,  but  a  rebellion  of 
the  heart  against  God.  Christian,  did  you  not  find  it  so  till 
the  Almighty  wrought  in  your  soul,  and  made  you  willing  in 
the  day  of  his  power  ? 


RULES  FOR  PRAYER.  177 

JUNE  16. 

RULES    FOR  PRAYER. 

"  I  will  therefore  that  men  pray  evcr^^where,  lifting  up  holy  hands,  without  WTath 
and  doubting." — 1  Tim.  ii.  8. 

Paul  here  speaks  with  authoritj',  as  he  had  received  a 
commission  from  God.  The  contents  pf  this  verse  are  highly 
important ;  let  us  briefly  glance  at  them. 

The  katuke  of  the  dutt.  It  is  the  exercise  of 
prayer.  Prayer  is  an  offering,  which,  if  not  presented  on  the 
altar  of  the  heart,  with  the  lire  of  fervent  devotion,  cannot 
come  up  with  acceptance  before  God.  It  is  the  breath  of  the 
new  creature,  the  spiritual  pulsation  of  the  soul. 

The  scenes  of  its  exercise.  "  Everywhere."  This 
includes  prayer  in  the  secret  of  retii'ement,  at  the  domestic 
altar,  in  the  social  circle,  and  in  the  solemn  assembly.  The 
exercise  is  to  be  continual ;  that  is,  we  are  to  cultivate  a  pray- 
erful spirit,  and  a  devotional  frame.  If  this  duty  were  ob- 
served, how  many  evils  would  be  prevented  !  what  vast  and 
inestimable  benefits  would  be  enjoyed  ! 

The  manner  of  its  performance.  Three  rules  are 
here  laid  down,  which  we  do  well  to  observe. 

Purity.  "  Lifting  up  holy  hands."  This  may  allude  to 
the  custom  which  pi-evailed  among  the  Jews  of  washing  the 
hands  before  engaging  in  the  services  of  the  temple,  and  this 
was  to  express  their  desire  of  inward  purity.  David  says, 
*'  I  will  wash  my  hands  in  innocency :  so  will  I  compass  thine 
altar,  O  Lord  !" 

Love.  "  AVithout  wrath,"  that  is,  in  a  spirit  of  Christian 
love  and  kindness.  The  angry  passions  must  be  quelled,  and 
the  leaven  of  malice  must  not  be  mixed  up  with  our  devo- 
tions. 

Faith.  Without  "  doubting."  It  is  the  prayer  of  faith 
that  prevails  with  God.  There  must  be  a  belief  in  our  exi- 
gences, and  Christ's  fulness  and  sufficiency  to  supply  all  our 
wants.  Jeremy  Taylor  beautifully  observes,  "  Prayer  is  the 
daughter  of  chai-ity,  and  the  sister  of  meekness ;  and  he  that 
prays  to  God  in  an  angry  spirit,  is  like  him  Avho  retires  into  a 
battle  to  meditate,  and  sets  up  his  closet  in  the  out  quarters 
of  an  enemy,  and  chooses  a  frontier  garrison  to  be  wise  in. 
Anger  is  a  perfect  alienation  of  the  mind  from  prayer ;  and 
therefore  is  contrary  to  that  attention  which  presents  our 
prayers  in  a  right  line  to  heaven." 


178     THE  PROPERTIES  AND  END  OF  THE  LAW. 
JUNE  17. 

THE  PROPERTIES  AND   END    OF  THE  LAW. 

•'  Wlierefore  the  law  is  holy,  and  the  commandment  holy,  and  just,  and  good." 
Horn.  vi.  12. 

It  is  of  the  greatest  importance  that  we  should  have  cleai' 
and  distinct  views  of  Christian  doctrines.  Many  individuals 
have  very  confused  ideas  of  the  precise  nature  and  uses  of 
the  law  and  Gospel,  and  confound  one  with  the  other.  The 
passage  before  us  contains  a  high  encomium  on  the  moral 
law.     Let  us  contemplate  it  in 

The    PROPERTIES    BY    WHICH    IT    IS    DISTINGUISHED. 

It  is  holy.  Its  Author  is  so,  and  nothing  of  an  opposite 
tendency  could  possibly  emanate  from  him.  Its  matter  is 
holy,  being  itself  a  transcript  of  the  mind  and  will  of  God. 
Its  requirements  are  so ;  it  enjoins  holiness,  and  by  the  most 
powerful  motives  encourages  us  to  pursue  it. 

It  is  just.  With  regard  to  the  whole  government  of  God, 
and  his  dealings  with  mankind,  we  may  say,  "  The  ways  of 
the  Lord  are  right."  The  law  is  impartial,  and  renders  to 
every  man  according  to  his  works. 

It  is  good.  "  The  law  is  good,  if  a  man  use  it  lawfully." 
One  has  observed,  that  it  is  essentially,  originally,  materially, 
morally,  pleasantly,  and  profitably  good  to  a  believer.  It  is 
intended  to  do  us  good  —  to  promote  our  best  interests. 

The  ends  for  which  it  is  given.  In  general,  it  is 
for  the  glory  of  the  great  Lawgiver,  and  the  benefit  of  his 
subjects.     More  particularly,  it  is  of  use 

To  the  sinner.  "  The  law  is  our  schoolmaster  to  bring  us 
to  Christ."  It  opens  the  wound,  and  the  Gospel  discovers  the 
remedy.  By  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin,  by  the  Gospel 
is  the  knowledge  of  salvation  ;  the  one  shows  us  our  empti- 
ness, the  other  points  us  to  Christ's  fulness  ;  the  one  thunders 
vengeance,  the  other  whispers  peace. 

To  the  saint.  It  is  true,  in  one  sense,  we  are  not  under 
the  law,  that  is,  as  a  covenant  of  works ;  but  it  is  equally 
true,  in  another  sense,  that  we  are  under  the  law,  as  a  rule 
of  life.  If  the  Gospel  shows  us  our  privilege,  the  law  points 
out  to  us  our  duty.  If  the  Gospel  tells  us  how  we  may  die 
happily,  the  law  tells  us  how  we  may  live  righteously.  If 
the  Gospel  imparts  liglit  to  the  mind,  the  law  is  a  lamp  to  the 
feet.     If  the   Gospel  is  a  glass  in  which  we  behold  God  in 


SALVATION   THROUGH   FAITH.  179 

the  face  of  Jesus  Clirist,  as  unfolding  the  riches  of  his  grace ; 
the  hiw  is  a  mirror  in  which  we  see  him  in  his  own  glory,  as 
displaying  the  rectitude  of  his  government.  Let  us  therefore 
go  to  the  law  to  see  what  God  would  have  us  to  he,  and  to 
tlie  Gospel  to  behold  what  he  can  make  us  ;  and  rejoice  that 
Clu-ist  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one 
that  believeth. 


JUNE   18. 

SALVATION  THROUGH  FAITH. 

"  For  by  grace  axe  ye  saved  through  faith  ;  and  that  not  of  yourselves  ;  it  is  the  gift 
of  Ood :  not  of  works,  lest  any  man  should  boast."— Eph.  ii.  8,  9. 

Of  his  fulness,  says  John,  have  all  we  received,  and  grace 
for  grace  ;  that  is,  observes  the  excellent  IMr.  Brooks,  as  the 
paper  from  the  press  receives  letter  for  letter,  or  as  the  wax 
tVoin  the  seal  receives  impression  for  impression,  or  as  the 
glass  from  the  image  receives  face  for  face,  so  does  the  weakest 
saint  receive  from  Jesus  Christ.  Our  salvation  is  of  grace. 
Let  us  now  contemplate 

Its  MEANS.  "  Through  faith  ;"  that  is,  instrumentally ; 
faith  is  exercised  in  the  rigliteousness  of  Christ. 

The  nature  of  faith.  What  is  is  ?  It  is  not  a  mere  notion 
in  the  head,  but  an  act  of  the  mind ;  the  more  simple  and 
scriptural  the  definition  given  of  it,  the  better.  It  is  the  firm 
and  entire  restinij  of  the  soul  on  the  atonement  of  Christ  for 
acceptance  with  God. 

Tlie  operation  of  faith.  It  is  a  principle  that  cannot  lie 
dormant'in  the  mind.  Genuine  faith  is  always  connected  with 
Divine  light,  holy  love,  ardent  desires,  and  practical  godli- 
ness.    These  are  the  evidences  of  its  existence. 

21ie  source  of  faith.  "And  that  not  of  yourselves,  it  is 
tlie  gift  of  God."  Here  it  is  expressly  stated,  that  faith  is  not 
of  human,  but  of  Divine  origin.  We  are  commanded  to  be- 
lieve, and  he  who  issues  the  command  imparts  strength  for 
the  obedience  of  it.  Faith  is  our  own  act,  as  we  are  wrought 
on  by  the  gracious  influences  of  the  Spirit  of  God. 

Its  end.     "  Not  of  works,  lest  any  man  should  boast." 

The  fact  stated.  Salvation  is  not  meritoriously  of  works. 
There  must  be  works  as  the  effects  of  the  gracious  implanted 
principle  ;   but  it  is  not  of  works,  as  the  moving  cause.     The 


180  PARTICIPATION    WITn    GOD's     PEOPLE, 

sad  degenerate  state  of  human  nature  affords  us  an  ample 
proof  of  this.  We  may  just  as  well  attempt  to  level  the  lofty 
trees  of  the  forest  with  a  gentle  touch  of  the  finger  ;  to  over- 
turn with  a  breath  the  stupendous  mountain,  whose  summit 
pierces  the  clouds ;  or  to  move  the  world  with  a  lever  of 
straw,  as,  Vv'ith  our  poor  performances,  to  remove  the  load  of 
our  guilt,  and  avert  the  awful  consequences  of  Jehovah's  in- 
dignation. 

The  reason  assigned.  "  Lest  any  man  should  boast." 
Man  is  prone  to  the  feeling  of  pride  and  vain  glory.  He 
does  not  like  to  be  an  humble  petitioner  at  the  footstool  of 
Divine  mercy ;  but  ere  he  becomes  a  partaker  of  salvation, 
the  lofty  look  must  be  humbled,  and  the  Lord  alone  exalted, 
"  that  no  flesh  should  glory  in  his  presence."  This  subject 
should  excite  our  gratitude  for  God's  grace,  it  should  lead  us 
to  humility  for  man's  ruined  estate,  it  should  encourage  our 
hopes  for  salvation. 


JUNE    19. 

PAHTICIPATION  WITH   GOD'S  PEOPLE. 

"  That  I  may  see  the  good  of  thy  chosen,  that  I  may  rejoice  in   the  gladness  of  thy 
nation,  that  I  may  glory  with  thine  inheritance." — Psahn  cvi.  5. 

What  a  marked  difference  is  there  between  the  men  of 
the  world  and  the  children  of  God  !  They  differ  in  their 
views  and  opinions,  the  objects  of  their  desire,  the  principles 
on  which  they  act,  the  motives  by  which  tliey  are  influenced, 
the  sources  of  their  grief,  and  the  springs  of  their  comfort. 
The  one  are  seeking  happiness  in  the  world,  the  other  can  be 
satisfied  Avith  nothing  short  of  an  interest  in  God.  Observe 
in  this  passage, 

The  characters  described.  Believers  are  spoken  of 
as 

Jlis  chosen.  Israel  was  a  chosen  nation,  peculiarly  favored 
by  God  ;  and  every  true  Christian  is  a  chosen  vessel ;  chosen 
to  holiness,  happiness,  honor,  glory,  and  immortality. 

His  nation^  They  are  set  apart  for  himself,  under  his  gov- 
ernment, and  for  his  glory.  As  a  nation,  he  has  founded 
them,  given  them  national  laws  and  regulations,  rights  and 
privileges.  They  are  a  holy,  royal,  increasing,  and  happy 
nation. 

His  inheritance.     Sometimes  God  is  called  the  inheritance 


PARTICIPATION    WITH    GOD's    PEOPLE.  181 

of  his  people,  at  other  times  they  are  called  his  inheritance. 
This  term  shows  the  interest  he  takes  in  them.  This  inheri- 
tance has  heen  purchased  by  his  Son,  and  is  daily  increasing. 
"  Ask  of  me,"  says  the  Father,  "  and  I  will  give  thee  the 
lieathen  for  thine  inheritance." 

The  privileges  enjoyed.     Two  are  here  mentioned. 

The  reception  of  good.  "  The  good  of  thy  chosen."  There 
is  a  peculiar  good  that  belongs  to  believers  as  the  people  of 
God.  While  others  taste  the  common  mercies  that  come  from 
his  bountiful  hand,  they  enjoy  the  special  blessings  that  flow 
from  his  compassionate  heart.  It  is  a  solid,  substantial,  rea- 
sonable, divine,  suitable,  soul-satisfying,  incomparable,  infinite, 
and  eternal  good. 

The  expression  of  joy.  "  The  gladness  of  thy  nation." 
They  cannot  but  be  joyful  who  are  the  recipients  of  such  in- 
estimable privileges.  They  express  gladness  at  the  choice 
they  have  made,  the  change  they  have  experienced,  and  the 
hope  they  are  enabled  to  cherish. 

The  desire  expressed.     David  wished 

To  participate  in  their  privileges.  "  That  I  may  see  the 
good  of  thy  chosen."  This  does  not  so  much  refer  to  the  ob- 
servation of  the  mind,  as  the  experience  of  the  heart.  Many 
see  the  good  of  God's  people,  who  do  not  partake  in  it.  "  Oh ! 
taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is  good." 

To  unite  in  their  joys.  "  That  I  may  rejoice  in  the  glad- 
ness of  thy  nation."  The  woi'ldling  desires  to  be  found  among 
his  ungodly  companions,  mingling  with  them  in  their  unhal- 
lowed pleasures  :  how  different  are  the  wishes  of  believers  ! 

To  exult  in  their  triumphs.  "  That  I  may  glory  with  thine 
inheritance."  Boasting  in  ourselves,  or  our  own  perform- 
ances, is  excluded ;  but  we  may  make  our  boast  in  the  Lord, 
sTud  triumph  in  his  grace.  This  is  not  incompatible  W'ith  the 
deepest  humility. 

"  They  tell  the  ti-iumphs  of  his  cross, 
The  suflerings  which  he  bore, — 
How  low  he  stooped,  how  high  he  rose, 
And  rose  to  stoop  no  more. 

"  Oh !  let  them  still  their  voices  raise, 
And  still  their  songs  renew  ; 
Salvation  well  deserves  the  praise 
Of  men  and  angels  too." 


16 


182  god's  knowledge  of  our  path. 

JUNE    20. 

GOD'S   KNOWLEDGE   OF   OUR  PATH. 

"  When  my  spirit  was  overwlielined  within  me,  then  thou  knewest  my  path." 
Psalm  cxlii.  3. 

The  complete  adaptation  of  the  promises  of  God's  word  to 
the  varied  wants  and  exigences  of  man,  may  be  considered  as 
an  unanswerable  argument  for  its  Divine  authenticity  and 
sufficiency.  The  Bible  teaches  us  our  duty  in  prosperity,  and 
directs  us  to  the  only  true  source  of  comfort  in  adversity. 
David  felt  its  power,  rejoiced  in  its  discoveries,  and  experi- 
enced its  sweetness.     We  have  here 

A  DISTRESSING  PEKiOD.  "When  my  spirit  was  over- 
whelmed within  me."  Whence  do  our  mournful  thoughts 
arise  ?     We  may  divide  them  into  two  classes  :  — 

Temporal.  Sometimes  God  sees  fit  to  visit  his  people  with 
bodily  maladies  ;  many  suffer  in  this  waj\  Then  there  are 
the  trials  and  vexations  of  the  world,  the  blasting  of  high  ex-, 
pectations,  and  the  failure  of  long-concerted  plans.  On  the 
sea  of  human  life,  there  is  many  a  raging  billow  and  foaming 
wave  ;  here  and  there  are  to  be  seen  the  wreck  of  many  a  fair 
hope,  and  sometimes  the  waters  seem  ready  to  engulf  us,  and 
our  spirits  are  overwhelmed.  The  other  source  to  which  we 
refer  is 

Spiritual.  That  which  regards  the  condition  of  the  soul. 
How  often  is  the  spirit  overwhelmed  on  a  review  of  our  mis- 
improvement  of  religions  opportunities,  the  little  benefit  we 
have  derived  from  the  abundance  of  means  we  have  enjoyed, 
our  scanty  knowledge,  weak  faith,  cold  affections,  languid  hope, 
shallow  experience,  poor  attainments,  dormant  zeal,  and  many 
imperfections  !     But  here  is 

A  consolatory  reflection.  "  Then  thou  knewest  my 
path."  Thus  Job,  when  in  trial,  said,  "  He  knoweth  the  way 
that  I  take."  The  comfort  is  drawn,  not  from  God's  mere 
knowledge  of  our  path,  but  his  readiness  at  all  times  to  help 
us.     See  Deut.  ii.  7  ;  Psalm  xxxi.  7. 

He  knows  the  difficulties  of  our  jxitlt,  and  will  help  us. 
Earthly  friends  may  be  acquainted  with  our  peculiar  trial, 
while  they  are  unable  to  afford  us  relief ;  but  his  knowledge 
is  always  combined  with  power,  so  that  he  can,  and  with  love, 
so  that  he  will,  help  us. 

He  knows  the  temptations  of  our  path,  and  will  succor  us. 
"We  are  tempted  to  forget  God,  and  to  forsake  his  way  ;  but 


TUE    CHIUSTIAN'S    EXEIICISK    AXD    EXPECTATION.       183 

what  a  consolation  is  it  to  our  minds  that  he  knoweth  our 
path  ! 

He  knows  the  dangers  of  our  path,  and  will  defend  tis. 
There  is  no  enemy  he  is  unacquainted  with.  He  knows  the 
mahgnity,  power,  subtlety,  and  craft  of  all  our  foes,  and  will 
deliver  us  from  every  evil  work  and  device. 

He  knows  the  per/j/cxiViVs  of  our  path,  and  will  guide  us. 
Sometimes  our  way  is  dark  and  cloudy,  and  we  know  not 
what  step  to  take  next :  what  a  mei'cy  that  our  way  is  not 
hidden  from  him !  He  will  guide  us  in  darkness,  unto  death, 
through  the  dreary  vale,  to  glory  everlasting ;  where  we  shall 
know  that  he  has  led  us  by  a  right  way  to  the  city  of  habita- 
tion. 


JUNE   21. 
THE  CHRISTIAN'S  EXERCISE  AND  EXPECTATION. 

'•  My  soul,  wait  thou  only  upon  God  ;  for  my  expectation  is  from  him." — Psalm  Lsii.  5. 

Ho"\v  diffei'ent  are  the  frames  and  feelings  of  God's  peo- 
ple !  —  semetimes  they  are  on  the  mount  of  joy,  anon  in  the 
valley  of  despair ;  now  singing  with  the  lark,  then  mourning 
with  the  dove  ;  one  day,  exercising  strong  confidence  in  God, 
the  next,  doubting  their  interest  in  him.  On  earth  there  are 
many  black-letter  days  in  the  Christian's  spiritual  almanac  ; 
but  in  heaven  every  day  shall  be  a  golden  one,  and  there  shall 
be  no  eclipse  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness.  In  trying  seasons, 
David  enjoyed  God  as  his  comforter,  and  desired  still  to  wait 
on  him.  Two  things  may  be  here  remarked  respecting  the 
Christian. 

The  peculiarity  of  his  duty.     "Waiting  on  God. 

It  is  comprehensive.  It  includes  the  whole  of  religion,  and 
implies  a  sense  of  our  wants,  a  belief  of  God's  readiness  to 
supply  them,  and  a  patient  expectation  of  the  soul  to  receive 
them. 

It  is  sincere.  "  My  soul"  "Waiting  on  God  is  more  than 
the  external  performance  of  the  services  of  religion ;  it  is  the 
act  of  the  soul,  the  exercise  of  the  mind,  and  the  movement 
of  the  spirit. 

It  is  personal.  "  "Wait  thou."  In  real  and  experimental 
religion,  the  mantle  of  form  must  be  cast  aside,  and  then  the 
soul  will  appear  as  it  is  in  God's  sight,  whose  scrutinizing  eye 


184        THE   PROPERTIES    OP    CHRISTIAN   KNOWLEDGE. 

penetrates  into  tlie  darkest  corners  of  the  liuman  breast.  I 
may  wait  during  the  service  with  the  devout  congregation, 
and  yet  not  wait  on  God. 

It  is  exclusive.  "  Only  upon  God."  Where  else  shall 
we  go  ?  To  the  world  ?  It  cannot  satisfy  us :  when  we 
attempt  to  gi-asp  it,  it  bursts  like  a  bubble  in  our  hands. 

The  SOURCE  or  his  hope.  "  For  my  expectation  is  from 
Mm." 

What  does  it  involve  ?  What  are  his  expectations  ?  Every 
needful  blessing,  journeying  mercies  for  the  way,  and  crown- 
ing mercies  for  the  home :  he  expects  much  here,  but  more 
hereafter. 

On  what  is  it  founded  ?  Many  cherish  expectations  that 
are  never  realized  ;  but  the  Christian  has  the  best  security,  — 
the  word  of  God,  the  covenant  of  grace,  the  blood  of  Christ, 
the  influences  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  dealings  of  God  with  his 
people  in  every  age. 

Whom  does  it  regard  ?  Those  who  are  renewed  in  the  spi- 
rit of  their  mind,  and  devoted  to  God.  Let  us  wait  on  God 
continually,  even  till  death,  and  then  all  our  glorious  anticipa- 
tions shall  be  more  than  realized. 


JUNE   22. 
THE    PROPERTIES    OF    CHRISTIAN    KNOWLEDGE. 

"  And  hereby  we  do  know  that  we  know  him,  if  we  keep  his  commandments." 
IJohn  ii.3. 

In  the  context,  Jesus  is  set  forth  as  our  Advocate.  He 
pleads  the  sinner's  cause  in  the  court  of  heaven.  But  the  sub- 
ject for  our  present  contemplation  is  Christian  knowledge. 
Notice 

Its  properties.     "  We  know  him,"  that  is,  Christ. 

It  is  glorious  in  its  object.  Paul  speaks  of  the  excellency 
of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  It  surpasses  all 
the  learning  of  the  world.  It  is  the  knowledge  of  Christ  in 
the  excellences  of  his  character,  the  value  of  his  atonement, 
the  extent  of  his  love,  the  treasures  of  his  grace,  and  the  rea- 
sonableness of  his  i-equirements. 

It  is  pecidiar  in  its  nature.  It  is  very  different  from  that 
theoretical  acquaintance  with  divine  things  that  is  possessed 
by  nominal  Christians.  This  knowledge  is  personal,  and  leads 
us  to  individualize  ourselves,  and  view  religion  as  a  matter 


THE    TEST    OF    CHIIISTIAN    KNOWLEDGE.  185 

between  God  and  our  souls.  It  is  experimental :  while  there 
is  light  in  the  mind,  there  is  love  in  the  heart ;  while  the  judg- 
ment is  informed,  the  soul  is  impressed.  It  is  spii'itual  and 
saving,  and  associates  our  ideas,  desires,  and  reflections,  with 
spiritual  objects. 

It  is  Divine  in  its  communication.  The  Spirit  alone  chases 
away  the  dark  clouds  of  ignorance  and  error  from  the  be- 
nighted mind,  and  pours  into  it  the  rays  of  heavenly  light. 
While  he  places  before  us  the  lessons  we  are  to  learn,  he 
gives  us  a  capacity  to  receive  them,  an  understanding  to  know 
their  richness,  a  heart  to  feel  their  influence,  and  a  spirit  to 
enjoy  their  sweetness. 

It  is  delight/id  in  its  results.  Oh !  who  can  estimate  the 
value  of  this  knowledge  ?  It  is  a  tree  whose  fruits  are  deli- 
cious to  the  taste,  and  which  thrives  by  the  genial  influence  of 
the  Sun  of  righteousness,  and  the  heavenly  dews  of  the  Divine 
Spirit ;  and  here  the  believer  may  come  and  regale  himself, 
without  fearing  the  flaming  sword  of  the  cherubim.  To  drop 
the  metaphor,  tliis  knowledge  affords  pleasure  to  the  mind, 
joy  to  the  soul,  and  peace  to  the  conscience.  If  its  effects  are 
so  glorious  even  here,  what  will  be  its  results  in  that  world  of 
light 

"  Where  knowledge  grows  without  decay, 
And  love  shall  never  die  "  I 


JUNE    23. 

THE   TEST  OF   CHRISTIAN  KNOWLEDGE. 

"  Aud  hereby  we  do  know  that  we  know  him,  if  we  keep  his  commandments." 
1  Johnii.  3. 

In  the  experience  of  the  Christian,  there  is,  and  ever  must 
be,  an  inseparable  connection  between  principle  and  practice. 
Tlie  possession  of  a  heavenly  principle  will  uniformly  be  as- 
sociated with  the  pursuit  of  a  holy  practice.  Let  us  now  con- 
sider Christian  knowledge  in 

Its  test.  The  existence  of  Divine  grace  is  one  thing,  but 
the  enjojnnent  of  Christian  assurance  is  another.  How  are 
we  to  know  that  we  kjiow  Christ  ?  Our  inward  experience 
and  the  Si)Irit's  testimony  prove  the  fact.  But  our  text  leads 
us  to  an  external  evidence  coimected  with  the  life — "  If  we 
keep  his  commandments."  This  obedience  must  be 
IC* 


186  KNOAVIXa   THE    LORD. 

Sincere  in  its  principle.  Much  depends  on  the  motives 
which  influence  us  in  the  service  of  God.  The  motive  stamps 
the  action.  If  we  would  wish  for  acceptance  with  God,  there 
must  be  purity  of  intention,  and  sincerity  of  aim. 

Cheerful  in  its  manner.  It  is  not  to  be  like  the  obedience 
of  slaves  to  a  tyrant  whom  they  fear ;  but  that  of  sons  to  a 
father  whom  they  love.  If  we  felt  more  of  the  constraining 
influence  of  the  love  of  Christ,  we  should  be  more  cheerful  in 
duty.  "  I  Avill  run,"  says  David,  "  in  the  way  of  thy  com- 
mands ;  when  thou  shalt  enlarge  my  heart." 

Universal  in  its  extent.  There  must  be  an  impartial  re- 
gard to  the  laws  of  God  —  and  the  believer  is  called  to  en- 
gage in  painful  as  well  as  pleasing  duties  —  and  to  render 
passive  submission,  as  Avell  as  active  obedience,  to  the  Divine 
will.  We  must  kiss  the  rod  of  affliction,  as  well  as  bow  to 
the  sceptre  of  his  love. 

Constant  in  its  duration.  There  must  be  patient  contin- 
uance in  well-doing,  and  perseverance  to  the  end  —  all  our 
acts  of  obedience  will  not  have  the  weight  of  a  feather  in  the 
scale  of  our  acceptance  with  God  —  but  they  will  give  proof 
of  that  acceptance  —  inasmuch  as  the  root  of  grace  is  known 
by  the  fruits  of  holiness.  After  we  have  done  all,  we  must 
retire  beneath  the  shadow  of  the  cross,  and  exclaim,  —  We 
are  unprofitable  servants. 


JUNE   24. 

KNOWING  THE  LORD. 

"  And  thou  slialt  know  the  Lord."  — Ilosea  ii.  20. 

Nothing  can  be  more  false  and  erroneous  than  to  say  that 
ignorance  is  the  mother  of  devotion.  She  is  a  mother,  and 
has  a  large  oflTspring,  prejudice,  superstition,  and  every  species 
of  vice  and  dissipation.  There  can  be  no  right  feeling,  either 
towards  God  or  man,  while  ignorance  envelops  the  mind. 
The  union  that  subsists  between  God  and  his  people  is  com- 
pared to  the  marriage  relation,  and  the  possession  of  knowl- 
edge is  necessary  to  the  realization  of  it.     We  have  here 

A  STATE  OF  IGNORANCE  IMPLIED.  We  are  by  nature  ig- 
norant of  God, 

In  the  perfections  of  his  nature.  These  are  displayed  in 
his  manifold  works ;  but  the  unbeliever  discerns  not  the  traces 


KNOAVING.THE    LORD.  187 

of  a  Divine  hand  in  them.  lie  has  no  just  views  and  con- 
ceptions of  the  being  and  attributes  of  the  Deity. 

In  the  salvation  of  Ids  Son.  The  ungodly  cannot  estimate 
the  value  of  his  atonement,  the  all-sufliciency  of  his  grace, 
and  the  extent  of  the  privileges  he  has  to  bestOAV.  Having 
never  seen  themselves  in  their  vileness,  they  know  nothing  of 
Christ  in  his  preciousness. 

In  the  operations  of  his  Spirit.  This  was  the  case  with 
Nicodemus ;  when  our  Lord  talked  to  him  of  the  amazing 
change  produced  in  the  soul  by  the  Spirit's  power  and  grace, 
he  exclaimed,  "  How  can  these  things  be  ?  " 

In  the  excellency  of  his  tcord.  Wliat  a  rich  treasury  liaAe 
we  here  !  It  is  full  of  glorious  and  important  truths  ;  but  the 
man  who  is  ignorant  of  God  has  not  the  key  that  unlocks  it. 
The  natural  man  discerns  not  the  beauties,  neither  does  he 
appreciate  the  worth,  of  Scripture. 

A    STATE     OF    KNOWLEDGE    INSURED.        "  And  thou    slialt  ^ 

know  the  Lord."     Contemplate 

The  glory  of  its  ohject.  "  The  Lord."  It  includes  an  ac- 
quaintance with  the  blessed  Trinity,  God  as  a  Father,  Christ 
as  a  Eedeemer,  and  the  Spirit  as  a  Sanctifier ;  and  all  three 
adorable  Persons  engaged  in  covenant  for  our  salvation. 

Ilie  excellency  of  its  nature.  It  surpasses  all  other  knowl- 
edge in  every  point  of  view.  It  is  spiritual,  experimental, 
and  personal.      Thou  shalt  know  the  Lord. 

The  value  of  its  effects.  It  will  humble  us  before  God, 
and  this  self-abasement  will  increase  as  our  knowledge  be- 
comes more  extensive  ;  it  will  impart  pleasure  and  satisfac- 
tion to  the  mind.  We  read  of  the  savor  of  this  knowledge  ; 
it  will  lead  us  to  cultivate  spirituality  of  mind,  and  a  love  of 
holiness,  and  to  fill  up  our  several  stations  in  life  according  to 
the  rules  of  God's  word,  and  the  dictates  of  an  enlightened 
conscience.  Let  me  therefore  seek  it,  and  esteem  all  things 
but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord. 

"  Blest  arc  the  souls  that  hoar  and  know 
The  gospel's  joyful  sound  ; 
Peace  shall  attend  the  paths  the_v  go, 
And  light  their  steps  snrroinid"  " 


188  THE    IMPOllTANT    SEARCH. 

JUNE    25. 

THE  IMPORTANT  SEARCH. 

"  Your  heart  shall  live,  that  seek  God."  —  Psalni  Ixix.  32. 

The  Psalm  before  us  was  doubtless  penned  by  David  in  a 
season  of  sore  affliction.  We  have  in  it  a  statement  of  his 
trying  case,  and  the  assurance  he  felt  that  God  would  hear 
and  deliver  him.  The  words  selected  as  the  subject  of  our 
meditation,  hold  out  to  us  abundant  encouragement  to  wait 
upon  God  and  keep  his  way.     Observe 

What  is  required  of  us  in  a  way  of  duty.  To  seek 
God.  This  implies  that  we  have  lost  him ;  by  sin  we  have 
lost  his  presence,  his  likeness,  his  friendship,  and  his  favor. 
We  cannot  be  happy  till  we  have  found  him. 

Its  object.  "  God."  It  is  the  mark  of  a  wicked  man,  that 
he  does  not  inquire  after  God,  nor  feel  desirous  of  seeking 
him;  but  it"  is  the  evidence  of  a  Christian,  that  he  seeks  God. 
This  is  the  noblest  pursuit  in  which  we  can  possibly  engage. 
We  must  seek  an  experimental  knowledge  of  him,  a  firmer 
reliance  on  him,  nearer  communion  with  him,  and  greater 
devotedness  to  him ;  his  favor,  his  pardon,  his  grace,  and  his 
guidance.     Are  not  these  worth  possessing? 

Its  scenes.  Where  is  he  to  be  sought?  He  has  not 
left  us  in  ignorance  respecting  this  matter.  We  must 
seek  him  in  Christ,  as  the  way ;  with  the  word  as  our  rule, 
the  Spirit  as  our  guide,  and  glory  as  our  end.  He  is 
not  liir  from  us  in  nature  and  in  providence,  but  in  the 
word  he  is  very  near  unto  us.  Seek  him  in  the  oracles  of 
truth  ;  here  he  is  set  forth  clearly  and  fully.  Seek  him  in  his 
house  ;  here  he  is  exhibited  in  all  the  grandeur  of  his  majes- 
ty, the  depth  of  his  condescension,  the  loveliness  of  his 
character,  the  plenitude  of  his  grace,  and  the  nature  of  his 
requirements.  Seek  him  at  the  mercy-seat ;  here  he  sits  to 
commune  with  you  ;  the  Spix'it  is  ready  to  help  your  infirmi- 
ties, and  Jesus  bids  you  welcome.  Seek  him  at  all  times,  you 
can  never  come  out  of  season. 

Its  manner.  The  coldness  of  formality  should  never  be 
united  with  the  warmth  of  devotion.  The  fire  in  the  temple 
of  our  hearts  must  never  go  out ;  but  there  will  be  great 
danger  of  its  bui-ning  very  dimly,  unless  we  stir  it  up  in  the 
cultivation  of  a  s})iritual  and  devotional  frame.  God  must  be 
sought  with  our  whole  heart ;  all  its  powers  and  passions 
must  be  employed ;  we  must  seek  him  simply  in  his  own  way, 
and  dependently,  on  his  own  strength. 


THE    COMPREHENSIVE    BLESSING.  189 

JUNE    26. 

THE  COMPEEHENSIVE  BLESSING. 

"  Your  heart  shall  live,  that  seek  God."  —  Psalm  Ixix.  32. 

Theke  is  much  in  this  psahn  that  applies  to  Christ  in  his 
sufferings  ;  so  that,  while  we  maintain  the  literal,  we  must  not 
lose  sight  of  the  typical  sense  of  its  contents.  This  passage 
is  short,  but  full  of  interesting  matter..    Observe 

What  is  ixsuued  to  us  by  way  of  privilege.  Many 
separate  blessings  are  promised  to  those  who  seek  Grod ;  but 
the  expression  in  our  text  seems  to  include  them  all.  It  is 
similar  to  that  promise  in  Isa.  Iv.  3,  "  Hear,  and  your  soul 
shall  live." 

It  is  spiritual.  Its  seat  is  in  the  heart,  and  this  is  the  seat 
of  all  true  religion.  If  our  religion  is  all  in  the  head  and  un- 
derstanding, it  has  not  done  us  much  good ;  to  benefit  us,  it 
must  be  in  the  heart,  and  connected  with  the  experience. 
Your  names  may  live  among  men  by  a  profession  of  religion, 
while  your  hearts  are  not  alive  to  God  in  the  possession  of  it. 

It  is  comprehensive.  It  includes  every  thing  that  pertains 
to  life  and  godliness :  "  Whoso  findeth  me,  findeth  life."  Your 
heart  shall  live  in  God's  fovor,  and  beneath  his  smiles ;  in 
sweet  communion  with  him,  and  delightful  enjoyment  of  him. 
It  involves  soul  prosperity,  progress  in  grace,  and  increase  in 
holiness.  Your  heart  shall  live,  supported  by  him  in  trial, 
strengthened  by  him  in  duty,  and  animated  by  him  in  the 
prospect  of  dissolution. 

It  is  certain.  "  Your  heart  shall  live."  You  shall  realize 
it ;  for  God  has  promised  it  in  his  word,  secured  it  in  his  cov- 
enant, and  has  in  every  age  fulfilled  it  in  the  happy  expe- 
rience of  his  people.  How  lamentable  is  it,  that  there  are  so 
few  who  feel  a  desire  to  seek  God  !  The  glittering  toys  of 
this  world  are  eagerly  pursued ;  while  the  field,  where  lies 
hidden  the  pearl  of  great  price,  is  passed  by  with  indiffer- 
ence, if  not  looked  at  with  scorn  and  contempt.  King  Henry 
IV.  asked  a  distinguished  individual,  if  he  had  observed  the 
great  eclipse  of  the  sun  which  had  lately  happened  ;  to  which 
he  replied,  "  I  have  so  much  to  do  on  earth  that  I  have  no  time 
to  look  up  to  heaven."  Will  not  this  apply  to  those  whose 
minds  are  so  absorbed  with  the  objects  of  time,  that  they  sel- 
dom give  eternity  a  thought  ?  Oh  !  seek  the  Lord  while  he 
may  be  found ! 


190  SINGING   IN    god's    WAYS. 

JUNE    27. 

SINGING  IN  GOD'S  WAYS. 

"  They  shall  sing  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord."  —  Psalm  cxxxviii.  5. 

This  passage  furnislies  us  with  two  very  interesting  sub- 
jects connected  with  believers. 

The  course  they  pursue.  "The  ways  of  the  Lord." 
Observe 

The  properties  that  belong  to  thein.  They  are  peculiar 
ways.  Thus  they  differ  from  all  others  ;  those  who  walk  in 
them  are  a  peculiar  people  ;  others  take  knowledge  of  them, 
and  they  are  as  men  wondered  at.  They  are  right  ways, 
all  others  are  wrong.  "  There  is  a  way  that  seemeth  right 
unto  a  man,  but  the  end  thereof  are  the  ways  of  death." 
They  are  honorable  ways,  they  are  associated  with  honor,  and 
they  lead  to  honor ;  those  who  walk  in  them  shall  be  made 
kings  and  priests  unto  God.  They  are  diversified  ways. 
Here  there  is  much  to  be  done,  suffered,  and  enjoyed.  '  They 
are  ways  of  confidence  in  God  and  love  to  him  ;  Avays  of  duty, 
trial,  saci'ifice,  and  self-denial.  They  are  tried  ways.  What 
millions  have  tried  them,  and  all  have  been  perfectly  satisfied 
with  them !  These  are  the  good  old  paths  in  which  believers 
delight  to  walk. 

The  term  hy  which  they  are  distinguished.  They  are  em- 
phatically called  "  the  ways  of  the  Lord"  But  why  ?  Be- 
cause he  reveals  them.  He  has  marked  them  out  for  us  in 
legible  characters  in  his  word.  Because  they  connect  us  with 
him.  They  concern  him,  bring  us  near  to  him  ;  in  them  we 
view  him,  walk  with  him,  trust  in  him,  and  lean  upon  him. 
Because  he  puts  us  in  them.  By  nature  we  pursue  a  con- 
trary course,  grace  turns  our  feet  into  the  way  of  peace.  Be- 
cause they  lead  us  finally  to  him  in  glory.  We  begin  with  the 
cross,  and  end  with  the  crown,  commence  weeping,  and  ter- 
minate rejoicing ;  but  all  the  joy  is  not  at  the  end  —  "  they 
shall  sing  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord." 

The  peeling  they  evince.  They  sing,  but  do  they  not 
sometimes  sigh  ?     Yes,  there  is  a  mixture  of  joy  and  sorrow. 

They  shall  sing  for  gratitude.  Christians  cannot  be  too 
frequently  employed  in  the  heavenly  exercise  of  praise,  yet 
how  often  are  their  hearts  and  their  harps  out  of  tune  !  Sing 
ye  the  praises  of  that  God  who  has  not  only  given  you  the 
breath  of  natural  life,  but  the  principle  of  spiritual  being. 

They  shall  sing  for  joy.  They  rejoice  that  at  length  they 
have  found  the  way  to  glory,  and  are  walking  in  it.     Such  a 


god's  people.  191 

olieerfiil  andliappy  feeling  of  mind  will  invite  tlie  notice  of  all 
around,  and  those  who  have  joined  in  the  shouts  of  unhallowed 
mirth  will  desire  to  learn  the  sonsis  of  Zion. 


JUiNE   28. 

GOD'S  PEOPLE. 

"  The  people  of  God."  —  1  Pet.  ii.  10. 


"What  a  contrast  there  is  between  the  past  and  present 
state  of  believers  !  They  were  enveloped  in  the  darkness  of 
ignorance,  but  are  now  irradiated  with  the  light  of  knowledge  ; 
they  were  at  a  distance  from  God,  but  arc  no\v  brought  near 
to  him ;  they  were  as  sheep  going  astray,  but  are  no^v  re- 
turned to  the  Shepherd  and  Bisliop  of  souls  ;  they  were  not 
a  people,  but  are  now  the  people  of  God. 

They  ahe  a  chosen  people.  Chosen  in  Christ  from 
eternity,  according  to  the  sovereign  will  of  God ;  chosen  to 
the  greatest  honors,  and  the  highest  distinctions.  They  are 
vessels  of  mercy,  fitted  and  prepared  for  the  Mastex''s  use. 
"  Even  so,  Father ;  for  so  it  seemeth  good  in  Ihy  sight." 

They  are  a  holt  people.  We  must  never  separate 
the  fact  of  the  Divine  choice  from  the  sanctifying  effects. 
Holiness  is  to  be  the  believer's  aim,  his  end,  and  his  desire. 
It  is  not  the  creed  that  makes  the  Christian ;  your  views  of 
truth  may  be  orthodox,  while  your  life  is  not  so. 

They  are  a  peculiar  people.  They  are  so  in  various 
ways.  In  their  origin,  for  they  are  born  from  above  ;  in  their 
principles,  these  are  spiritual ;  in  their  habits,  they  dare  to 
be  singular  ;  in  their  pursuit.s,  they  tread  in  a  peculiar  track, 
and  aim  to  discern  the  footsteps  of  the  flock,  and  above  all,  the 
marks  of  the  Shepherd's  feet.  In  their  pleasures,  prospects, 
and  eternal  destination,  they  are  peculiar. 

They  are  a  tried  people.  The  present  life  is  one  of 
probation ;  the  future,  of  retribution.  God  tries  his  people 
in  their  graces  ;  faith,  hope,  love,  meekness,  and  all  the  other 
gi-aces  that  adorn  the  Christian  character.  He  tries  their 
principles,  views,  feelings,  and  experience,  to  see  if  they  will 
stand  the  test. 

They  are  a  haI-py'  people.  They  have  every  thing 
to  make  them  so.  If  they  have  the  floods  of  tribulation  to 
toss  them,  they  have  the  anchor  of  hope   to  steady  them  ;  if 


192  THE    DISCOURAGEMENTS     OF    THE    WAT. 

they  have  the  prickling  thorns  and  briars  of  the  wilderness, 
they  have  the  fragrant  rose  of  Sharon  and  the  beautiful  lily 
of  the  valley ;  if  they  have  painful  seasons  of  trial  and 
gloom,  they  have  the  pleasing  promise,  "  At  evening  time  it 
shall  be  light." 

They  are  an  increasing  people.  There  were  only 
eight  in  the  ark ;  ten  righteous  persons  would  have  saved 
Sodom  ;  but  how  greatly  has  the  number  increased  !  How 
many  means  are  in  operation  for  this  great  end.  Let  us 
pray  that  other  sheep  may  be  brought  into  the  fold,  of  Christ, 
more  children  adopted  into  his  family,  and  multitudes  of  sub- 
jects yet  people  his  empire.  May  our  desire  be  to  be  found 
in  their  number  ! 


JUNE   29. 

THE  DISCOURAGEMENTS    OF  TPTE  WAY. 

"  And  the  soul  of  the  people  was  much  discouraged  because  of  the  way." 
Numb.  xxi.  4. 

The  journey  of  the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness  must  be 
viewed,  not  merely  as  an  historical  fact,  but  a  lively  type  of 
the  Christian's  course.  Let  me  introduce  to  your  notice  a 
Christian  pilgrim  who  is  discouraged  because  of  the  way. 

Let  us  hear  his  complaints.  He  is  discouraged  be- 
cause of 

The  enemies  of  the  way.  The  Israelites  had  not  only  to 
contend  with  openly  avowed  adversaries,  but  secret  foes  ;  and 
so  has  the  believex*.  He  is  engaged  in  contest  with  no  ordi- 
nary enemies.  Earth  and  hell  unite  to  oppose  him  in  his 
heavenly  march. 

The  roughness  of  the  way.  He  is  journeying  in  a  wilder- 
ness where  there  are  many  privations  to  be  endured,  and 
many  difficulties  to  be  encountered.  It  is  far  from  being  a 
smooth  path  ;  and  there  are  periods  in  his  experience  when 
because  of  these  things  his  soul  is  discouraged. 

The  intricacy  of  the  way.  This  was  peculiarly  applicable 
to  the  Israelites  ;  theirs  was  far  from  being  a  straight  course. 
So  now,  God  leads  his  people  about ;  they  have  a  chart  of  the 
land  through  which  they  are  travelling,  but  cannot  always 
trace  the  road,  or  understand  the  way. 

The  misunderstandings  of  the  way.     How  needful  for  us  is 


BEING    IN   THK    GARDEN    "WITH    CHRIST.  193 

tlie  advice  wliich  Joseph  gave  to  his  brethren,  "  See  that  ye 
fall  not  out  of  the  way"  !  As  partakers  of  the  same  Divine 
nature,  interested  in  the  same  covenant,  and  cherishing  the 
same  hopes,  let  us  endeavor  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit 
in  the  bond  of  peace. 

The  length  of  the  toay.  The  children  of  Israel  were  forty 
years  journeying  what  they  might  have  accomplished  in  a 
few  days.  The  promise  is  to  be  received  after  we  have  done 
the  will  of  God.  Having  alluded  to  the  Christian  pilgrim's 
complaints. 

Let  us  show  him  his  comforts.  Is  your  soul  dis- 
couraged because  of  the  way  ?  think  of  these  three  things  — 

The  examples  afforded  you.  Yours  is  not  a  singular  case, 
you  suffer  in  honorable  company  ;  the  prophets,  the  noble 
army  of  martyrs,  the  glorious  band  of  reformers  and  confes- 
sors, have  trodden  the  same  path ;  and  Jesus  himself  lias  left 
the  marks  of  his  footsteps.     Why  should  you  be  discouraged  ? 

The  supplies  granted  you.  God  spreads  a  table  for  you  in 
the  wilderness  ;  the  pillar  of  cloud  and  fire  is  before  you ; 
and  streams  from  the  rock  Christ  follow  you,  so  that  you  may 
sing  the  Lord's  song  in  a  strange  land,  and  rejoice  in  the 
house  of  your  pilgrimage. 

The  glory  set  before  you.  Think  of  the  promised  crown, 
and  you  will  cheerfully  take  up  the  cross ;  contemplate  the 
glory  that  awaits  you,  and  you  will  welcome  reproach,  and 
encourage  yourself  in  the  Lord  your  God. 


JUNE  30. 
BEING  IN  THE  GARDEN  WITH  CHRIST. 

"  Did  not  I  see  thee  in  the  garden  with  him  '" — John  xviii.  2G. 

These  words  were  addressed  to  Peter  on  a  most  affecting 
occasion  ;  when,  denying  his  Lord  and  blaster,  he  was  recog- 
nized by  one  of  the  servants  of  the  high  priest.  There  are 
many  senses  in  whicli  we  shall  find  it  both  pleasant  and  profit- 
able to  be  in  the  garden  with  Christ. 

In  the  exercise  of  sacred  meditation.     Oh!  what 

have  we  to  contemplate  here !     What  a  scene  of  suffering, 

wlien,  being  in  an   agony,  he  prayed  more  earnestly,  and  his 

sweat  was,  Jis  it   were,  great  drops  of  blood  falling  down  to 

17 


1^4  BEING   IN    THE    GARDEN    WITH    CIIRIuT. 

the  ground  !  Let  the  golden  thread  of  prayer  run  through 
the  web  of  meditation. 

With  the  eye  of  unfeigned  faith.  Beliold  the  Man  ! 
Do  you  not  see  Divinity  enshrined  in  that  agonized  body  ? 
the  likeness  of  the  Son  of  God  in  that  countenance  that  is 
more  marred  than  any  man's  ?  Do  you  not  perceive  some 
rays  of  glory  emanating  from  his  grief-worn  human  form  ? 
The  Sun  of  Righteousness  is  about  to  set  in  darkness ;  can 
you  not  discern  beams  of  brightness  gilding  the  clouds  that 
are  soon  to  shut  his  glories  in  ? 

With  the  tear  of  genuine  repentance.  By  medi- 
tation, we  walk  in  the  garden ;  faith  sees  the  Saviour,  and 
believes  in  the  efhcacy  of  his  atonement ;  repentance  stands 
weeping  behind  hiin,  and  cries.  Oh  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of 
sin  !  It  was  said  of  Mary,  "  She  goeth  unto  the  grave  to  weep 
there."  Let  this  be  said  of  you  in  reference  to  the  garden 
of  Gethsemane. 

With  the  expression  of  grateful  acknowledg- 
ment. While  we  should  mourn  for  sin  as  the  cause,  we 
should  rejoice  in  salvation  as  the  glorious  result,  of  the  Sa- 
viour's sufferings.  Through  death  he  has  spoiled  principali- 
ties and  powers,  finished  transgression,  and  wrought  out 
righteousness ;  so  that  now,  to  the  believer,  sin  has  lost  its 
dominion  —  the  law  its  condemning  power  —  death  its  sting  — 
the  grave  its  victory — and  hell  its  terror. 

With  a  desire  after  close  communion.  In  pro- 
portion to  the  nearness  of  our  intercourse  with  him  will  be 
our  disrelish  for  the  world's  pleasures,  and  desire  after  spiritu- 
al enjoyment :  and  when  the  inquiry  is  made  with  respect 
to  us,  "  Did  I  not  see  thee  in  the  garden  with  him  ?"  we  shall 
rejoice  to  acknowledge  the  fact. 

With  a  resolution  op  entire  devotedness.  Our 
whole  life  in  this  world  should  be  the  continual  presentation 
of  a  living  sacrifice  to  him.  Such  an  exercise  will  ennoble 
the  mind,  exalt  the  feelings,  and  rejoice  the  spirit.  Amid 
the  beauty,  richness,  and  fragrance  of  the  flowers  of  the  gar- 
den, let  me  be  with  Him  whose  excellences  are  so  often  set 
forth  by  an  allusion  to  these  curious  works  of  his  fingers :  let 
me  see  him  in  the  rose,  the  lily,  the  apple  tree,  and  the  trees 
of  the  wood;  and  long  for  the  time  when  I  shall  be  in  the 
garden  of  the  heavenly  paradise  with  him. 


THE    SECURITY    OF   TUB     CnillSTIAN'S    JOT.  195 

JULY    1. 

THE  SECURITY  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN'S  JOY. 

"  Your  joy  no  man  taketh  from  you." — John  xvi.  22. 

Three  things  may  be  here  noticed,  with  regard  to  the 
Christian's  joy. 

Its  NATURE.  How  shall  we  describe  it?  The  source 
from  whence  it  flows  is  pure  and  holy.  God  the  Father  is 
the  object  of  this  joy,  Christ  is  its  medium,  and  the  Spirit  its 
promoter.  Believei's  rejoice  in  the  perfections  of  the  Divine 
Being.  His  unerring  wisdom  is  their  guide,  his  almighty 
power  their  guard,  his  holiness  promotes  their  sanctification, 
his  justice  avenges  their  wrongs,  his  faithfulness  is  their  shield 
and  buckler,  his  infinity  is  the  extent  of  their  inheritance,  his 
eternity  the  date  of  their  happiness,  and  his  immutability  the 
rock  of  their  rest.  They  rejoice  in  things  pertaining  to  God  ; 
in  the  Gospel,  because  it  brings  life  and  immortality  to  light ; 
in  doctrines  and  precepts,  as  the  rule  of  their  faith  and  prac- 
tice ;  in  the  promises,  as  the  ground  of  their  encouragement 
and  hope  ;  and  in  divine  ordinances,  as  promoting  theix*  holi- 
ness and  happiness. 

Its  EXCELLENCY.     Consider  some  of  its  properties. 

It  is  real.  The  pleasui'es  and  delights  of  the  world  are 
only  a  delusion,  but  there  is  a  solid  reality  in  the  Christian's 
joy.  "Was  Moses  deluded,  when  he  chose  rather  to  suffer 
affliction  with  the  people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures 
of  sin  for  a  season  ?  AVas  David  deluded,  when  he  rejoiced 
in  God  as  his  rock,  his  tower,  and  his  strong  defence  ?  Was 
Paul  deluded,  when  he  triumphed  in  the  cross  of  Christ  ? 

'  It  is  spiritual.  It  is  so  in  its  nature,  source,  tendency,  and 
effects.  It  arises  from  the  possession  of  a  spiritual  principle, 
and  is  cherished  by  the  contemplation  of  spiritual  objects. 

It  is  hidden.  The  world  knoweth  us  not.  Believers  are 
designated  God's  "  hidden  ones."  God,  the  object  of  their 
joy,  dwells  in  invisible  brightness ;  like  the  grace  of  hope,  it 
enters  into  that  within  the  veil. 

Its  security.  "Your  joy  no  man  taketh  from  you." 
Temporal  losses  cannot  deprive  the  Christian  of  this  treasure  : 
it  is  said  of  the  believing  Hebrews  that  they  took  joyfully  the 
spoiling  of  their  goods.  Tribulation  cannot,  for  they  "  rejoice 
in  tribulation."  Death,  so  far  from  injuring,  will  perfect  this 
joy.     Passing  by  the  woi'ld's  delusions,  let  us  seek  that  joy 


196  JOY   IN    HOPE. 

which  is  not  like  the  yielding  sand  or  bursting  bubble ;  but 
which  resembles  the  rock,  defying  the  raging  tempests,  and 
the  lashing  waves  ;  and  which  shall  flounsh  in  the  Christian's 
breast,  when  rocks  and  hills  have  passed  away  in  the  world's 
last  convulsion,  and  nature  itself  shall  sink  in  ruins. 


JULY   2. 

JOY  IN  HOPE. 

"  Rejoicing  in  hope." — Rom.  xii.  12. 


The  Chi'istian  is  commanded  to  rejoice  in  the  present  good 
which  grace  communicates,  and  in  the  future  bliss  it  insures. 
Contemplate 

The  hope  he  possesses.     It  may  be  regarded  in 

Its  object.  "VVe  hope  in  God  as  a  God  in  Christ,  and  a 
God  in  covenant.  How  unworthy  of  an  immortal  mind  are 
those  things  on  which  the  worldling's  hopes  are  fixed  !  They 
will  not,  for  a  moment,  bear  a  compai'ison  witli  the  sublime 
and  glorious  object  to  w^hich  the  Christian  aspires. 

Its  ground.  Christ  is  emphatically  called  "  our  hope."  All 
the  bright  anticipations  that  are  cherished  by  the  Christian 
are  derived  from  a  believing  view  of  the  efficacious  death  and 
atoning  sacrifice  of  Jesus.  The  clouds  of  terror  and  despair 
encompass  the  distressed  soul,  till  it  arrives  on  Calvary's 
holy  mount,  where  the  atmos^jhere  is  clear,  and  the  firmament 
is  bright. 

Its  nature.  It  is  a  believing  expectation  of  something 
jDromised,  as  yet  unseen  ;  and  it  is  intimately  connected  with 
faith  and  patience.  Faith  sees  the  object,  and  believes  it  is 
for  her ;  patience  waits,  and  hope  expects.  We  hope  for 
guidance  in  the  way,  and  gloiy  in  the  end. 

Its  effects.  It  impai'ts  peace  and  tranquillity  to  the  mind, 
amidst  all  the  changes  and  vicissitudes  of  life ;  cheers  the 
fainting  spirit ;  and  leads  its  possessor  to  the  cultivation  of 
holy  tempers  and  dispositions  ;  "  for  every  man  that  hath  this 
hope  in  him  purifieth  himself,  even  as  he  is  pui-e."  Its  rays 
illumine  the  valley  of  death,  and  are  overpowered  in  the  full 
blaze  of  immortal  glory. 

The  joy  it  inspires.  "  Eejoicing  in  hope."  There  is 
joy  both  in  its  exercise  and  realization. 

21ie  seasons  when  we  rejoice  in  hoiie.     When  temptations 


TUE    UNIVKRSAL    KEIGN    Or    CHKIST.  197 

are  strong,  we  rejoice  in  hope  of  sustaining  grace.  Dwell  not 
so  much  on  the  heat  of  the  furnace,  as  the  beauty  of  the  gold 
that  it  refines.  When  alllictions  are  heavy,  we  rejoice  in  hope 
of  deliverance.  The  beams  of  hope  can  pierce  the  darkest 
cloud  of  trial,  and  gild  it  with  celestial  brightness.  When 
doubts  are  thick,  we  rejoice  in  hope  of  their  dispersion.  Bax- 
ter compares  doubts  to  a  thistle  —  a  bad  weed  growing  in 
good  ground.  The  most  eminent  saints  have  had  their  fears 
and  misgivings  ;  and  the  late  Mr.  llomaine,  being  once  asked 
whether  he  ever  doubted,  said,  '•  Do  I  ever  breathe  ?  "  When 
death  advances,  we  rejoice  in  hope  of  victory.  "  The  righte- 
ous hath  hope  in  his  death." 

The  reasons  wlnj  v:e  should  rejoice  in  hope.  Because  such 
a  state  of  mind  will  tend  to  the  glory  of  God,  be  a  witness  to 
the  value  of  religion,  and  contribute  to  our  own  personal  enjoy- 
ment. Let  us,  tlierefore,  seek  a  good  ho|)e  through  grace ; 
one  that  will  not  evaporate  in  the  cold  atmosphere  of  death, 
but  burst  forth  in  the  full  realizations  of  immortality. 


JULY    3. 

THE   UNIVERSAL   REIGN  OF   CHRIST. 

"  All  nations  shall  serve  him."  —  Psalm  Ixxii.  11. 

This  is  spoken  of  Christ.  How  unlikely,  humanly  speak- 
ing, would  this  api)ear,  if  we  refer  to  many  things  connected 
with  his  advent  in  this  world  !  Look  at  his  birth,  the  mean- 
ness and  poverty  of  his  condition,  his  companions,  twelve  poor 
illiterate  fishermen,  and  the  design  of  his  mission.  He  came 
to  establish  no  earthly  monarchy,  but  expressly  declared, 
"  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world."  He  came  to  introduce  a 
religion  which  was  directly  opposed  to  the  spirit  of  the  world, 
and  the  carnal  desires  and  inclinations  of  man  ;  a  religion  that 
should  overturn  all  the  false  notions  and  systems  which  had 
so  long  obtained,  in  which  the  ancient  and  learned  philoso- 
phers boasted  and  prided  themselves.  But  "  God's  thoughts 
are  not  our  thoughts,  neither  are  his  ways  our  ways."  Notice 
here 

Tin:  r.XTKMT  of  the  rnoMisi:.     It  includes 
The  universal  diffusion  of  truth.     Ere  this  promise  is  com- 
rtlctely  fulfilled,  error  shall  disappear,  and  truth  shall  triumph- 
17* 


198  CERTAINTY    OF    THE    SAVIOUR's   DOMINION. 

antly  prevail.  The  souls  of  the  heathen  are  like  incrusted 
diamonds,  whose  light  and  beauty  are  only  discovered  on  the 
removal  of  the  incrustation  by  the  polishing  influence  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ ;  then  they  rise  in  all  their  splendor,  lighted 
up  by  drinking  in  the  beams  of  an  orient  sun. 

The  complete  destruction  of  his  enemies.  How  many  things 
are  there  that  unite  to  oppose  the  march  of  our  glorious  Im- 
manuel!  There  is  infidelity,  that  has  received  so  much  coun- 
tenance in  this  deluded  age,  which  would  rob  us  of  the  only 
foundation  of  our  hope,  deprive  us  of  all  comfort  in  life,  and 
blast  our  brightest  prospects  for  eternity.  The  time  is  com- 
ing when  it  shall  be  overturned,  and  all  its  adherents  compel- 
led to  believe  what  once  they  denied.  Heathen  lands  shall 
have  the  light  of  life.  The  spell  of  superstition,  by  which  so 
many  myriads  have  been  bound,  shall  be  broken.  "  He  must 
reign  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet." 

The  glorious  triumiih  of  his  kingdom.  It  is  not  established 
on  worldly  principles,  or  sustained  by  worldly  power ;  it  shall 
be  built  up  forever.  All  the  nations,  now  rude  and  uncivil- 
ized, shall  pay  their  tribute  to  this  Almighty  King.  May  I, 
bowing  before  him  and  rendering  him  the  homage  of  the  heart, 
crown  him  Lord  of  all. 


JULY   4. 

THE   MEANS   AND   CERTAINTY   OF   THE 
SAVIOUR'S   DOMINION. 

"  All  nations  shall  serve  him."  —  Psalm  Ixxii.  11. 

Yes,  every  tribe  shall  lay  a  laurel  at  the  stem  of  Jesse, 
and  every  tongue  shall  celebrate  his  praise.  In  this  passage 
we  have  a  glorious  promise.     Let  us  look  at 

The  means  of  its  accomplishment.  Is  it  to  be  eflTected 
by  the  wielding  of  warlike  weapons,  compelling  the  enemies 
of  Christ  to  surrender  or  be  killed  with  the  sword  ?  O  no ; 
these  triumphs  are  won  not  with  the  battle-axe,  but  with  the 
hammer  of  the-  Word  ;  not  with  the  sword  of  the  magistrate, 
but  with  the  sword  of  the  Spirit.  "  The  weapons  of  our  war- 
fare ai'e  not  cai'nal,"  but  spiritual. 

J3y  the  preaching  of  the  Word.  This  is  the  instrumental 
cause.     There  must  be  the  dispensation  of  the  word  of  truth, 


GOD    PRESENT   IN    THE    SANCTUARY.  199 

in  all  its  fulness,  its  excellences,  and  its  blessed  results.  The 
cross  of  Christ  must  be  erected,  and  the  banners  of  that  cross 
must  be  unfurled,  if  sinners  are  savingly  converted  to  God. 

By  the  power  of  the  Spirit.  This  is  the  efficient  cause.  The 
dreariness,  desolation,  and  barrenness  of  the  moral  desert 
will  never  assume  the  beauty,  fragrance,  and  fruitfuhiess  of 
the  garden  of  the  Lord,  without  the  genial  and  enlivening 
beams  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness,  the  showers  of  Divine 
grace,  and  the  dew  of  the  Spirit's  influences. 

The  certainty  of  its  fulfilment.  This  may  be 
argued  from 

The  statements  of  Scripture.  See  Psalm  ii.  8,  9  ;  xxii.  27 
—  31.  Though  many  of  the  nations  are  now  fettered  with 
idolatry,  deluded  with  error,  sunk  in  ignorance,  and  darkened 
by  superstition,  they  shall  be  brought  under  the  yoke  of  our 
glorious  Immanuel ;  and  so  the  declaration  shall  be  fulfilled, 
"  All  nations  shall  serve  him."  The  death  and  intercession 
of  Christ.  The  efi^icacy  of  the  one,  and  the  prevalency  of  the 
other,  fully  secure  it.  The  progress  the  Gospel  has  already 
made.  Look  at  our  missionary  records  ;  —  impediments  and 
hinderances  are  being  removed,  the  Gospel  is  gaining  free 
course,  and  God  is  giving  testimony  to  the  word  of  his  grace. 
We  anticipate  Avith  joy  the  pei'iod  when  all  the  laborers  shall  be 
called  home,  and  the  glorious  work  shall  be  finished,  and  the 
text  shall  receive  its  full  and  final  accomplishment :  —  "  All 
nations  shall  serve  him." 

"  Great  King  of  p-ace  I  my  heart  subdue ; 
I  would  lie  led  in  triumph  too, 
A  willing  captive  to  my  Lord, 
And  sing  the  victories  of  his  word." 


JULY'    5. 

GOD  PRESENT  IN  THE  SANCTUARY. 

"  Surely  tho  Lord  is  in  this  place."  —  Qon.  xxxviii.  16. 

Jacob  was  a  plain  man,  dwelling  in  tents ;  and  on  his  ar- 
rival at  Bethel,  he  had  a  very  plain  accommodation  ;  his 
chamber  was  the  open  air,  his  canoj)y  the  heavens,  his  bed  the 
earth,  his  pillow  some  stones;  —  but  his  sleep  was  sweet. 
"  And  Jacob  awaked  out  of  his  sleep,  and  he  said,  Surely  the 


200  GOD    PRESENT    IN    THE    SANCTUARY. 

Lord  is  in  tliis  place."  We  may  apply  this  to  our  religious 
assemblies.  Where  he  has  recorded  his  name,  he  will  give 
his  presence. 

He  has  promised  it  ;  Exod.  xx.  24.  It  is  his  presence 
that  stamps  a  dignity  on  the  place,  gives  a  value  to  Divine 
ordinances,  raises  our  expectations,  cheers  our  souls,  and  re- 
joices our  hearts.  We  delight  to  dwell  in  his  house,  because 
it  is  the  place  of  his  residence.  "  Surely  the  Lord  is  in  this 
place." 

As  THE  HEARER  OP  PRATER.  He  who  listens  to  the  har- 
monious notes  of  angels,  deigns  to  hear  a  sinner's  cry.  He 
communes  with  us  from  the  mercy  seat ;  Exod.  xxv.  22.  Let 
us  therefore  spread  our  case  before  the  Lord,  and  depend  on 
the  mercy,  skill,  and  wisdom  of  our  great  Advocate.  "  Surely 
the  Lord  is  in  this  place." 

Addressing  us  in  his  Word.  Thus  there  is  a  com- 
munication carried  on  between  God  and  man  ;  while  Ave  ad- 
dress him  in  prayer,  he  speaks  to  us  in  his  Word.  Ministers 
are  but  the  echo  of  his  voice ;  say,  not,  therefore,  I  will  go 
and  hear  such  and  such  an  individual ;  but,  "  I  will  hear  what 
God  the  Lord  will  speak."  "  Surely  the  Lord  is  in  this  place." 

Dispensing  his  choicest  favors.  In  the  sanctuary, 
the  sinner  brings  his  wants,  and  God  displays  his  fulness  in 
the  supply  of  them.  He  bestows  blessings  in  countless  num- 
bers, astonishing  variety,  and  inestimable  value.  Here  he  is 
known  as  the  sinner's  friend,  and  the  saint's  support.  "  Surely 
the  Lord  is  in  this  place ;  "  and 

We  should  esteem  it  a  privilege  to  be  here.  We 
should  visit  the  sanctuary,  not  only  from  a  conviction  of  duty, 
but  from  a  principle  of  love.  The  Christian  loves  the  house 
of  God,  because  he  loves  the  God  of  the  house  ;  because  his 
mind  is  instructed,  his  spirit  revived,  his  burden  lightened 
there.  He  delights  to  be  where  God  is,  for  God  is  the  home 
of  his  soul.     "  Surely  the  Lord  is  in  this  place," 

But  there  is  danger  of  our  forgetting  it.  "  I  knew 
it  not,"  says  Jacob.  Do  you  always  remember  it  ?  If  you 
did,  would  there  be  such  cold  indifference,  such  wandering 
thoughts,  such  unhallowed  desires  ?  Eemember  the  God  of 
Jacob  is  here.  Remember  it  in  every  part  of  the  service ; 
when  you  sing,  think  of  it,  and  praise  him  with  the  heart ; 
when  3'ou  enter,  think  of  it,  and  pray  for  a  blessing  ; 
v.'hen  you  surround  the  throne  of  grace,  think  of  it,  and  pour 
out  your  spirit ;  when  you  listen  to  his  Word,  think  of  it,  and 
take  heed  how  you  hear. 


ADVANTAGES    OF   RELIGION.  201 

JULY    6. 

THE   PERSONAL   AND    RELATIVE  ADVAN- 
TAGES OF  RELIGION. 

"  So  will  I  save  you,  and  ye  shall  be  a  blessing."  —  Zech.  i.  7, 13. 

These  words  were  spoken  of  ancient  Israel  ;  but  they  will 
apply  to  every  Israelite  indeed.  We  have  in  them  the  per- 
sonal advantage  and  relative  benefit  of  religion. 

Its  PERSONAL  ADVANTAGE.  "  So  wiU  I  save  you.'*  Sal- 
vation is  the  grand  theme  of  the  Bible,  the  burden  of  heaven's 
anthems,  and  the  joy  of  the  penitent's  heai't. 

Its  nature.  It  includes  in  it  every  thing  desirable  ;  a  deliv- 
erance from  evil,  and  the  enjoyment  of  good.  It  is  associated 
with  present  pleasures,  and  shall  be  crowned  with  eternal  hap- 
piness. 

Its  subjects.  "  You."  Who  ?  Men,  and  not  angels.  "  For 
verily  he  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  angels ;  but  he  took 
on  him  the  seed  of  Abraham."  Sinners,  rebels ;  those  who 
are  exposed  to  danger,  and  in  a  state  of  spiritual  death. 

Its  Author.  "  I  will  save  you."  Every  blessing  must  be 
traced  up  to  him  who  is  the  Father  of  lights,  and  the  Author 
of  every  good  and  perfect  gift.  Salvation  is  of  the  Lord.  It 
is  the  fruit  of  the  Father's  love,  the  Son's  purchase,  and  the 
Spirit's  grace. 

Its  relative  benefit.  "  And  ye  shall  be  a  blessing." 
What  a  contrast  to  their  former  state  !  "  Ye  were  a  curse," 
and  this  will  apply  to  those  who  are  in  an  unconverted  state. 
God  imparts  the  light  of  grace,  that  believers  may  shine  — 
gives  the  salt  of  grace,  that  they  may  bear  a  savor  of  religion 
—  plants  the  trees  of  grace,  that  they  may  bear  fruit;  and 
blesses  them,  that  they  may  be  -a  blessing  to  others.  So  they 
are  designated  "  the  excellent  of  the  earth."  But  in  what 
respects  are  they  a  blessing  ? 

Jiy  their  holy  example.  It  was  a  good  saying  of  one  of  the 
heathen  philosophers,  "  Talk  not  of  a  good  life,  let  your  life 
speak."  There  is  an  impressive  and  commanding  eloquence 
in  this  silent  voice. 

By  their  active  exertions.  We  should  endeavor  to  relieve 
the  temporal  wants  of  the  needy,  and  thus  obtain  the  blessing 
of  those  who  are  ready  to  perish.  But  above  all,  let  us  seek 
their  spiritual  good,  and  so  be  a  blessing  in  the  instruction  of 
the  ignorant,  the  warning  of  the  careless,  the  reclaiming  of  the 
wanderer,  and  the  convex'sion  of  sinners  to  God. 


202  THE    DAT    OF    ETERNITY. 

By  their  fervent  prayers.  There  is  many  a  humble,  seclu- 
ded Christian,  who  is  made  an  extensive  blessing  by  his  im- 
portunate supplications.  "  The  effectual,  fervent  prayer  of 
a  righteous  man  availeth  much."  Let  me  inquii-e  how  I  stand 
in  society  —  Am  I  a  blessing  or  a  curse  ?  for  none  of  us  liv- 
eth  to  himself. 


JULY  7. 

THE  DAY  OF  ETERNITY. 

"  The  day  Is  at  hand.'"  —  Kom.  siii.  12. 

The  revolutions  of  time  shall  soon  be  lost  in  the  ages  of 
eternity  ;  the  dark  veil  which  now  shrouds  futurity  shall  soon 
be  drawn  aside  ;  Jordan's  streams  shall  soon  be  crossed,  and 
the  believer  shall  be  surrounded  by  purity  and  never-ending 
peace ;  "  the  night  is  far  spent,  the  day  is  at  hand."     Consider 

The  brilliancy  and  grandeur  of  the  day.  If  this 
world  to  the  Christian  is  night,  heaven  shall  be  to  him  a  day. 
Let  us  notice  several  things  respecting  it. 

It  is  a  day  of  rest  and  peace.  Peace  marks  every  object 
there.  If  there  is  an  ocean  there,  it  is  never  disturbed  by  the 
ruffle  of  a  wave.  If  there  is  a  firmament  there,  it  is  never 
darkened  by  the  appearance  of  a  cloud,  and  knows  not  the 
destruction  of  a  storm.  If  there  are  harps  there,  all  are 
tuned  to  Jehovah's  praise,  and  there  is  not  a  jarring  sound  to 
spoil  the  harmony.  If  there  is  a  sun  there,  it  never  goes 
down.  There  every  inhabitant  is  animated  by  the  same  spirit, 
a  subject  of  the  same  emotions,  consecrated  to  the  same  ob- 
ject, employed  in  the  same  contemplations,  and  swelling  the 
same  song. 

It  is  a  day  of  enjoyment  and  triumph.  What  is  heaven  ? 
It  is  the  realization  of  this  hope :  "  As  for  me,  I  will  behold 
thy  face  in  righteousness."  There  is  the  full,  free,  and  unin- 
terrupted enjoyment  of  communion  with  God,  and  felloAvship 
Avith  angels  and  the  spirits  of  the  redeemed. 

It  is  an  eternal  day.  Its  brilliancy  shall  never  be  dimin- 
ished, its  employments  shall  never  close.  There  is  an  assem- 
bly which  no  devastation  can  dissolve,  and  enjoyments  which 
ever-rolling  ages  shall  only  enhance.  Consider  the  approach 
of  this  day.     It  is  "  at  hand  "  —  the  tale  of  life  will  soon  be 


THE    CROWNING   TRIUMPHS    OF    CHRIST.  203 

told.  Death  will  soon  visit  us,  and  the  grave  will  soon  re- 
ceive us.  Already,  Christian,  we  may  imagine  the  beams  of 
the  morning  stretching  forth,  and  the  shadows  of  the  night 
declining.  Even  now  we  are  on  the  borders  of  the  unseen 
world,  standing  on  the  threshold  of  eternity,  and  some  of  us 
may  be  near  the  brink  of  that  river  into  which  we  must  soon 
launch.  How  many  tremble  like  the  last  leaves  of  autumn, 
only  waiting  for  the  gentle  breeze  to  blow  them  away,  and 
cause  them  to  disappear !  The  righteous  are  ready  whenever 
the  summons  comes ;  but  the  ungodly  stand  as  upon  a  shelf, 
undermined  by  every  wave  borne  in  upon  it  by  the  tide  of 
time  ;  and  if  the  last  shock  be  given,  before  they  are  reconciled 
to  God,  they  will  be  ingulfed  in  ruin. 


JULY    8. 

THE  GROWING  TRIUMPHS  OF  CHRIST. 

"  nis  enemies  will  I  clothe  with  shame  ;  but  upon  himself  shall  his  crown  flourish." 
Psalm  cxxxii.  18. 

In  this  psalm  we  have  encouraging  promises  respecting  the 
growing  increase  and  linal  triumphs  of  Christ's  kingdom. 
Here  is 

An  awful  fact  implied.  Christ  has  enemies.  Who  are 
they  ?  Devils,  —  but  this  is  not  all ;  men,  and  yet  he  is  the 
friend  of  sinners.  His  enemies  may  be  arranged  under  three 
classes  :  —  The  daring  infidel.  Pie  strikes  at  the  very  root 
of  Christ's  kingdom,  longs  for  its  downfall,  and  tries  by  every 
possible  means  to  diffuse  his  poisonous  principles.  The  open 
profligate.  He  makes  light  of  all  the  invitations  of  mercy, 
and  all  the  exhibitions  of  Divine  love,  and  is  not  ashamed 
openly  to  avow  his  hostile  principles.  The  inconsistent  pro- 
fessor. How  many  such  characters  have  there  been  in  every 
age !  Paul  complains  of  them,  Phil.  iii.  18 :  they  crucify 
the  Son  of  God  afresh,  and  put  him  to  an  open  shame.  They 
are  enemies  under  the  disguise  of  friends. 

An  ALARMING  PUNISHMENT  THREATENED.      They  sliall  be 

clothed  with  shame.  This  threatening  is  partially  executed 
here,  but  fully  hereafter.  They  shall  be  clothed  with  shame 
at  death.  How  confused  shall  they  be  to  find  all  their  plots 
and  schemes  frustrated  by  him  who  takes  the  wise  in  their 
own  craftiness  !     What  shame  shall  cover  them  when  the  dis- 


204  THE    HAPPINESS    OF   THOSE    THAT   FEAR    GOD. 

embodied  spirit  shall  be  summoned  to  appear  before  God ! 
They  shall  be  clothed  with  shame  ia  the  judgment.  How 
ashamed  shall  they  be  when  they  see  the  I'ighteous,  whom 
they  have  despised,  fully  vindicated  and  acquitted,  and  them- 
selves condemned  !  They  shall  be  clothed  with  everlasting 
shame.  To  this  Daniel  alludes,  chap.  xii.  2,  "  And  many  of 
them  that  sleep  in  the  dust  of  the  earth  shall  awake,  some  to 
everlasting  life,  and  some  to  shame  and  everlasting  contempt." 
A  GLORIOUS  PROMISE  MADE.  "  But  upon  himself  shall 
his  crown  flourish."  This  imjilies  —  complete  victory.  "  His 
crown  ;"  the  indication  of  his  conquest  over  his  foes.  It  is 
said,  "  On  his  head  were  many  crowns,"  alluding  to  the  num- 
ber and  extent  of  his  triumphs.  High  honor.  A  crown  is 
an  emblem,  not  only  of  victory,  but  of  honor  and  dignity. 
Growing  triumphs.  The  crown  shall  flourish  on  his  head. 
He  goes  forth  conquering  and  to  conquer.  It  shall  be  so  till 
the  allegiance  is  universal ;  he  must  reign  till  he  hath  put  all 
enemies  under  his  feet.  Am  I  a  subject  of  King  Jesus  ?  I 
give  him  the  service  of  the  lip,  but  do  I  pay  him  the  homage 
of  the  heart  ?  Let  me  not  be  found  among  his  enemies,  but 
numbered  with  his  friends. 


JULY   9. 

THE  HAPPINESS  OF  THOSE  THAT  FEAR  GOD. 

"  Yet  surely  I  know  that  it  shall  he  will  with  them  that  fear  Ood."  —  Ecclcs.  viii.  12. 

How  long  does  God  suspend  his  threatened  judgments  on 
the  wicked !  It  is  well  when  his  goodness  leads  to  repen- 
tance ;  but  how  many  abuse  it !  "  Though  a  sinner  do  evil 
an  hundred  times,  and  his  days  be  prolonged,  yet  sui'ely  I 
know  that  it  shall  be  well  with  them  that  fear  God." 

The  CHARACTER.  "  Them  that  fear  God."  Believers 
are  described  by  their  faith,  love,  spirit,  motives,  and  pursuits  ; 
but  here,  by  their  fear.     This  principle  is 

Comprehensive.  It  includes  the  whole  of  religion.  Tlie 
fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom,  and  we  are  to 
perfect  holiness  in  it.     This  fear  is  mingled  with  love. 

Implanted.  It  is  not  natural  to  us.  "  I  will  put  my  fear 
in  their  hearts,"  says  God.  They  fear  "  before  him  ;"  this 
shows  the  sincerity  of  the  principle. 

Active.  It  will  operate,  and  at  all  times.  "We  shall  not 
only  fear  God  in  a  thunder-storm,  but  in  a  calm  ;  it  will  in- 


THE   NIGHT    OF    TIME.  205 

fluence  us  in  reference  to  our  tbouglits,  desires,  duties,  and 
trials. 

The  encouragement.  "It  shall  be  well  with  tliem." 
This  includes  every  thing  for  their  good,  both  in  time  and 
eternity.     Especially 

The  peculiar  care  of  Providence.  God  performs  all  things 
for  them  ;  their  wants  never  escape  his  notice  ;  he  sweetens 
their  comforts,  soothes  their  sorrows,  preserves  their  lives. 

The  rich  provisions  of  grace.  They  are  interested  in  the 
everlasting  covenant.  Is  it  not  well  with  them  ?  They  enjoy 
communion  with  God,  peace  of  conscience,  all  spiritual  bless- 
ings in  Christ. 

Admittance  into  glory.  This  crowns  all.  It  shall  be  well 
)>oth  with  the  body  and  the  soul.  The  poor,  vile  body  shall 
be  changed,  and  rendered  glorious ;  and  the  powers  and  capa- 
cities of  the  soul  shall  be  wonderfully  improved. 

The  certainty.  "  Yet  surely  I  know."  The  fact  is  con- 
lirmed  by  the  testimony  of  God's  word.  "  Say  ye  to  the 
righteous,  it  shall  be  well  with  them."  By  the  tenor  of  his 
covenant  he  has  guaranteed  this,  and  will  not  forfeit  his  sol- 
emn engagements.  By  the  exj^erience  of  his  people.  Chris- 
tian, can  you  adopt  these  words  ?  Let  me  remember  that  it 
cannot  be  well  with  me  if  I  do  not  fear  God ;  and  let  me 
pray,  Lord,  put  thy  fear  into  my  heart. 


JULY   10. 

THE  NIGHT  OF  TII^IE. 

"  The  night  is  far  spent."  —  Rom.  xiii.  12. 

Personal  piety  is  of  unspeakable  advantage  to  its  pos-scs- 
sor  in  e^ery  situation  in  life.  It  leads  our  contemjdations  to 
the  joys  and  triumphs  of  heaven,  and  tells  us  that  this  is  only 
the  embryo  state  of  our  existence,  that  "  the  night  is  far  spent 
and  the  day  is  at  hand."  Here  is  a  pleasing  contrast  between 
the  night  of  time,  and  the  day  of  eternity.     Let  us  consider 

The  darkness  and  dreariness  of  the  night.  There 
is  a  beautiful  correspondence  between  the  state  of  night,  and 
the  character  of  our  world.     The  world  is  to  the  Christian 

A  night  of  ignorance.  How  limited  is  the  knowledge  of 
the  most  eminent  believer  in  this  world  !  What  mysteries 
18 


206  THE    VALUE    OF   THE    SOUL. 

veil  the  dispensations  of  God's  providence !  Clouds  and 
darkness  are  round  about  him.  He  moves  in  the  whirlwind, 
and  rides  upon  the  storm ;  his  way  is  in  the  sea.  Do  not  his 
dealings  with  us  sometimes  constitute  an  abyss,  in  which  our 
minds  are  overwhelmed,  and  our  thoughts  drowned  ?  Are 
there  not  truths  in  the  Bible  which  far  exceed  the  grasp  of 
our  comprehension,  and  transcend  the  loftiest  conceptions  of 
our  minds  ?     It  is  yet  night  with  us. 

A  night  of  imperfection.  Imperfections  will  cleave  to  the 
believer  till  the  day  of  eternity  dawns.  As  our  knowledge 
is  impei'fect,  so  are  our  graces  ;  our  faith,  love,  joy,  hope, 
and  desires.  The  work  of  the  Spirit  in  our  hearts  is  only  in 
progress,  much  more  remains  to  be  done.  Concerning  every 
thing  connected  with  the  Christian's  character,  life,  and  ex- 
perience, it  may  be  said,  it  is  "  in  part."  Our  joys,  our  con- 
solations, and  our  communion  with  God,  are  yet  imperfect. 

A  night  of  sorrow.  The  world  is  a  sea  of  trouble,  where 
one  wave  rolls  incessantly  on  another.  Let  us  be  thankful 
that  it  is  not  an  endless  night.  "  The  night  is  far  spent ;" 
very  far  with  some.  "  Now  is  our  salvation  nearer  than  when 
we  believed."  But  how  has  it  been  spent  ?  Too  often  in 
murmuring  rather  than  in  praising.  Let  the  Christian  be 
thankful  it  is  not  total  night  with  him.  There  are  some  glim- 
merings of  light,  some  bright  rays  that  foretell  the  dawning 
of  the  day.  Let  us  therefore  spend  the  remainder  of  the 
night  in  a  manner  tliat  becomes  us,  as  the  expectants  of  a 
glorious  immortality. 


JULY    IL 

THE  VALUE  OF  THE  SOUL. 

"  For  what  is  a  man  profiteil,  if  he  shall  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul  ? 
or  what  shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his  soul  ?"  —  Matt.  xvi.  26. 

The  fashion  of  this  world  passeth  away."  There  is  a  pe- 
riod fast  approaching  when  all  nature  shall  sink  in  ruins.  The 
sun,  the  glorious  luminary  of  day,  shall  be  eclipsed  for  ever ; 
the  moon  in  her  beauty,  and  the  stars  in  their  brightness, 
shall  cease  to  shine.  The  hills,  which  seem  to  sustain  the 
heavens,  and  are  styled  "  everlasting,"  shall  flow  down  like 
melted  wax  at  the  decree  of  Him  who  laid  their  foundations 
so  deep,  and  raised  their  heads  so  high.     Why  should  we  re- 


THE  VALUE  OF  THE  SOUL.  207 

pose  our  confidence  on  that  which  is  so  transitory,  uncertain, 
and  short  lived  ?     We  liave  here 

An  impoktant  truth  implied.  The  value  of  the  soul. 
In  what  does  this  appear? 

From  its  natural  excellences.  The  soul  is  possessed  of  nat- 
ural excellences,  which  it  cannot  be  deprived  of  without  los- 
ing its  existence.  It  is  a  living  and  moving  essence,  and  so 
excels  corporeal  matter,  which  has  neither  life,  sense,  nor 
motion,  of  itself.  Look  at  the  origin  of  tlie  soul,  it  is  the 
very  breath  of  God.  Gen.  ii.  7.  It  is  a  spiritual  essence, 
which  cannot  be  seen  or  felt,  and  so  excels  the  body,  which  is 
formed  out  of  dust.  The  soul  is  immortal,  and  is  consequent- 
ly more  excellent  than  the  body,  which  is  subject  to  dissolu- 
tion. 

From  the  curious  texture  of  the  hody  wherein  it  dwelis.  The 
body,  though  formed  out  of  the  dust,  bears  the  most  evident 
marks  of  Divine  power  and  wisdom.  "  I  am  fearfully  and 
wonderfully  made,"  says  David.  If  the  cabinet  is  so  ex- 
quisitely wrought,  how  excellent  must  the  precious  jewel  be 
that  is  lodged  in  it !  What  a  pity  that  this  sparkling  dia- 
mond, set  in  a  ring  of  such  beautiful  workmanship,  should  be 
so  defaced  by  sin  ! 

From  the  price  paid  for  its  redemption.  We  generally 
foi'm  our  estimate  of  the  value  of  things  by  the  price  paid  for 
them  ;  if  we  apply  this  to  the  soul,  its  excellence  must  be  far 
beyond  our  comprehension.  "  None  of  them  can  by  any 
means  redeem  his  brother,  nor  give  to  God  a  ransom  for 
him."  For  souls  the  Son  of  God  became  incarnate,  suffered, 
bled,  and  died. 

Truth  is  immortal  as  thy  soul ;  and  fable 
As  fleeting  as  thj- joys.     Be  wise,  nor  make 
Heaven's  highest  blessing,  Vengeance  j  O,  be  wise  ! 
Nor  make  a  curse  of  immortality. 
Saj',  know'st  thou  what  it  is,  or  what  thou  art  ? 
"  Know'st  thou  the  importance  of  a  soul  immortal  V 
Behold  the  midnight  glory,  worlds  on  worlds  ! 
Amazing  pomp  !     liedoulde  this  amaze. 
Ten  tliousand  add,  and  twice  ten  thousand  more, 
Then  weigh  the  wliole  ;  one  soul  outweighs  them  all, 
And  calls  the  astonishmg  magnificence 
Of  unintelligent  creation  poor." 


208  THE  UNPROFITABLE  BARGAIN. 

JULY  12. 

THE  UNPROFITABLE  BAEGAIN. 

"  For  what  is  a  man  profited,  if  he  shall  gain  the  whole  -svorld,  and  lose  his  own 
soul  ?  or  what  shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his  soul  ?  "  —  Matt.  xvi.  26. 

How  valuable  does  the  soul  appear  when  we  contemplate 
its  origin,  nature,  capacities,  and  immortal  destinies  !  yet  how 
few  ponder  the  words  of  the  Saviour  in  the  passage  before 
us  !     "We  have  here 

A  SOLEMN  INQUIRY  MADE.     "  What  is  a  man,"  &c. 

If  a  man  had  gained  the  xohole  world,  he  could  not  enjoy  it. 
Let  us  suppose  an  individual  having  made  this  conquest.  It 
might  perhaps  afford  him  some  imaginary  pleasure  to  survey 
in  his  own  mind  how  much  he  possessed ;  but  he  could  not 
even  behold  it  with  his  eyes  any  other  way  than  in  a  map, 
which  others  may  do  as  well  as  himself:  but  as  to  real  ben- 
efit, he  could  enjoy  but  a  very  small  part  of  it. 

He  woidd  not  be  content  ivith  it.  "  All  the  rivers  run  into 
the  sea  ;  yet  the  sea  is  not  full."  The  pleasures  of  this  world, 
consist  more  in  hope  than  enjoyment ;  so  that  if  an  individual 
possessed  the  whole  world,  one  of  the  chief  pleasures  of  life 
would  be  gone  ;  there  would  be  nothing  more  left  for  which 
to  hope.  He  must  be  a  miserable  man,  whose  desires  are 
not  satisfied,  while  his  hopes  are  at  an  end ;  so  that  if  a  man 
could  conquer  the  whole  world,  as  Alexander  thought  he  had 
done,  when  that  engagement  was  accomplished,  he  would  do 
as  Alexander  did,  sit  down  and  weep  because  there  was  not 
another  world  to  conquer. 

It  would  he  a  curse  to  him,  without  the  grace  of  God.  "  The 
prosperity  of  fools  shall  destroy  them."  How  small  a  portion 
of  the  mammon  of  this  world,  in  the  hands  of  the  graceless, 
drowns  them  in  everlasting  perdition  and  irremediable  ruin  ! 
How  pernicious,  then,  would  the  whole  of  it  be  to  sjich  char- 
acters ! 

He  would  have  no  certainty  of  keeping  it.  The  supposition 
of  gaining  the  whole  world  plainly  implies  that  it  is  lost  to 
those  who  had  it  before.  When  Alexander  conquered  Da- 
rius, and  seized  his  kingdom,  just  as  much  as  Alexander 
gained  Darius  tost ;  so  that  if  a  man  could  gain  the  whole 
world,  this  very  circumstance  would  clearly  show  to  him  the 
uncertain  hold  he  had  of  it.  How  transitory  and  evanescent 
are  all  things  here  beneath  the  skies  ! 

"  The  spider's  most  attenuated  thread 
Is  cord,  is  cable,  to  man's  tender  tie 
On  earthly  bliss  —  it  breaks  at  every  breeze." 


THE    TRUE    LIGHT.  209 

It  tvould  afford  him  no  consolation  in  death.  Could  it 
calm  and  tranquillize  the  mind  in  the  prospect  of  eternity  ? 
Would  it  not  rather  plant  thorns  on  our  dying  pillow  ?  Re- 
member, if  the  soul  is  lost,  all  is  lost  —  the  fovor  of  God,  the 
salvation  of  Christ,  the  consolation  of  the  Spirit.  Commit 
your  soul,  therefore,  to  Ilim  who  is  willing  to  redeem  it  by 
his  grace,  and  make  it  a  possessor  of  his  gTory. 


JULY   13. 

THE  TRUE  LIGHT. 


"  That  was  the  true  Light,  which  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  iuto  the  world." 
John  i.  9. 

The  sacred  writers  have  borrowed  various  images  from  na- 
ture, in  order  to  set  forth  the  transcendent  excellences  and 
unrivalled  glories  of  Christ.  He  is  caUed  the  tree  of  life, 
the  rose  of  Sharon,  and  the  lily  of  the  valley,  the  Sun  of 
righteousness,  the  bright  and  morning  star,  and  the  h^ht  of 
the  world.     Let  us  notice  ° 

The  TiTLii  given  to  Christ.  «  The  true  Li'^ht."  He 
is  so  called  in  opposition  to  ° 

TJie  false  light  of  heathen  philosophy.  That  cannot  be 
a  true  light  which  gives  its  possessor  no  clear  views  and  per- 
ceptions of  the  Deity,  opens  no  resource  in  the  time  of 
trouble,  gives  no  sense  of  pardon  and  acceptance  with  God, 
and  reveals  nothing  of  the  glories  of  immortality.  "Hath 
not  God  made  foolish  the  wisdom  of  this  world  ?  "  Christ  is 
called  "  the  true  Light "  in  opposition  to 

The  tjjpical  light  of  the  old  economy.  The  law  presents  us 
with  the  pattern  of  things  in  the  heavens,  but  the  Gospel  con- 
tains the  very  things  themselves.  How  ftiintly  the  li'dit  was 
seen  in  the  sacrifices  and  ceremonies  of  the  Jews  !  but  how 
brightly  It  shone  when  the  Son  of  God  was  manifest  in  the 
flesh  !  _  It  shone  in  the  manger  — it  shone  in  the  cities  of  Ju- 
dah  — It  shone  on  the  mount  of  transfiguration  —  it  shone  on 
i^Q  cross  — and  it  now  shines  both  in  heaven  and  on  earth. 
The  Saviour  is  designated  "  the  true  Light"  in  opposition  to 

Ihe  borrowed  light  of  ordinary  miiiisters.  They  are  often 
represented  as  lights  in  a  dark  world.  John  was  a  buruin- 
and  a  shining  light.  All  the  light  which  inspired  aiiostles 
possessed,  and  which  the  ambassadors  of  tlie  Gospel  now 
have,  is  derived  from  him. 
IS* 


210  THE     BENEFIT    OF    SANCTIFIED    AFFLICTION. 

The  blessings  he  diffuses.  "  Which  lighteth  every 
man  that  cometh  into  the  world."     Observe  here  two  things. 

The  fact.  The  Saviour  imparts  light  —  the  light  of  rea- 
son. AH  its  powers,  capacities,  and  discovei'ies,  are  fi'om 
him.  The  light  of  revelation.  The  rays  of  Divine  truth 
emanate  from  Him  who  is  the  fountain  of  light.  Christ  is  the 
author,  substance,  and  glory  of  the  Gospel.  The  light  of 
grace.  Man  by  nature  is  in  an  awful  state  of  darkness,  and 
will  remain  so,  till  Christ  the  Sun  of  righteousness  arises  on 
the  benighted  mind,  and  sheds  abroad  his  heavenly  beams. 

The  universality  of  it.  "  AVhich  lighteth  every  man." 
We  must  not  take  this  literally.  It  intimates  the  general 
diffusion  of  this  blessing  of  light  —  that  it  is  imparted  to  men 
of  all  climes  and  kindreds,  ranks  and  conditions.  We  should 
be  thankful  for  the  light  of  reason  —  more  so  for  the  light  of 
revelation  —  still  more  for  the  light  of  grace  —  and  most  of 
all  for  tlie  light  of  glory. 


JULY   14. 

THE  BENEFIT  OF  SANCTIFIED  AFFLICTION. 

"  Before  I  was  afflicted,  I  went  astray  ;  but  now  have  I  kept  thy  word."  —  Psahn 
cxix.  67. 

This  is  the  testimony  of  David,  and  it  is  the  experience 
of  many  a  Christian  ;  such  a  similarity  is  there  in  the  senti- 
ments, views,  experience,  and  feelings  of  the  children  of 
God.     David  here 

Admits  a  painful  truth.  "  Before  I  was  afflicted,  I 
went  astray."  The  character  of  sin  is  a  going  astray,  and 
sinners  are  wanderers  :  the  subjects  of  grace  are  sometimes 
wanderers  too.  David  confesses  it,  —  "I  have  gone  astray 
like  a  lost  sheep."  Whence  does  this  liability  to  eri',  even 
in  the  best  of  men,  arise  ? 

From  the  vigilance  of  the  enemy.  He  is  ever  on  the  alert, 
whether  we  sleep  or  not.  He  is  said  to  go  about  as  a  roaring 
lion,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour.  While  men  slept,  the 
enemy  came  and  sowed  tares.  So  while  Christians  are  off 
their  guard,  the  enemy  comes  upon  them,  and  tempts  them  to 
go  astray. 

From  the  weahiess  of  human  nature.  Thus  Christians 
sometimes  go  astray  from  God  and  things  divine,  leave  their 
first  love,  lose  their  zeal  and  ardor  in   the  ways  of  religion, 


THE    CAUSE,    EVIL,    AND    REMEDY    OF   DESPAIR.      211 

and  follow  for  a  time  their  own  natural  inclinations.     But 
David  here 

Acknowledges  a  pleasing  fact.  It  is  the  benefit 
of  sanctified  aflliction.  It  was  the  means  of  his  restoration 
to  God  :  "  but  now  have  I  kept  thy  word  ; "  you  will  see  its 
adaptation  to  this  end,  if  you  consider  its  tendency 

To  lead  us  to  serious  rejlection.  This  is  the  first  step  to 
our  return.  If  we  do  not  consider,  it  is  not  likely  we  shall 
mend  our  ways. 

2^0  discover  to  us  our  error.  It  points  us  to  our  iiiiperfec- 
tions  and  short-comings ;  and  is  like  the  candle  of  the  Lord 
in  the  heart,  to  show  us  our  vileness  and  treachery ;  or  like 
the  refiner's  fire,  to  separate  between  the  gold  of  grace  and 
the  dross  of  corruption. 

T'o  correct  us  for  our  sin.  Aflliction  is  the  scourge  which 
our  heavenly  Father  uses  to  chasten  and  correct  his  children  ; 
by  this  he  separates  the  sin  that  he  hates,  from  the  soul  that 
he  loves. 

To  induce  repentance.  This  was  ths  case  with  the  prodi- 
gal. Before  he  was  afllicted,  he  went  astray  ;  but  aftlictiou 
brought  him  to  himself,  to  reflection,  to  contrition,  and  at  last 
to  the  paternal  roof.  The  expression,  keeping  God's  word, 
is  used  to  signify  the  duties  and  exercises  of  the  Christian 
life.  Let  us  learn  to  recognize  the  Divine  hand  in  our  trials. 
"  Providence,"  says  Charnock,  "  is  God's  lantern  in  many 
affairs  ;  if  we  do  not  follow  it  closely,  we  may  be  left  in  the 
dark  and  lose  our  way." 


JULY    15. 

THE  CAUSE,  EVIL,  AND  REMEDY  OF  DESPAIR. 

"  And  tliey  said,  There  is  no  hope."  — Jer.  xviii.  12. 

The  two  fatal  rocks  on  which  men  split,  are  presumption 
and  despair.  Some  have  no  fear,  and  say,  "  I  shall  have 
peace,  though  I  walk  in  the  imagination  of  mine  heart ; "  oth- 
ers say,  "  There  is  no  hope,  but  we  will  walk  after  our  own 
devices,  and  we  will  every  one  do  the  imagination  of  his  evil 
heart."  Both  are  destructive  to  the  best  interests  of  the  soul. 
Let  us  contemplate  despair  in  its  cause,  evil,  and  remedy. 

Its  cause.     To  what  may  it  be  attributed  ? 

T7ie  accusations  of  a  troubled  conscience.  This  was  the 
case  with  Cain,  Judas,  and  others  mentioned  in  holy  writ. 


212      THE     CAUSE,   EVIL,   AND    REMEDY    OF   DESPAIR. 

The  force  of  depraved  habits.  By  a  constant  course  of 
impiety  and  guilt,  the  mind  becomes  besotted.  "  Can  the 
Ethiopian  change  his  skin,  or  the  leopard  his  spots  ?  no  more 
can  ye  do  good,  that  are  accustomed  to  do  evil." 

Misapprehensions  of  the  nature  of  the  Gospel.  Wliat  con- 
fused notions  have  some  entertained  of  it !  what  strong  legal 
prejudices,  desiring  to  find  that  in  themselves  which  is  only 
to  be  found  in  Christ  ? 

Barrenness  under  the  means  of  grace.  Many  who  have 
long  sat  under  the  sound  of  the  Gospel,  and  have  derived  no 
benefit,  but  are  as  careless  and  indifferent  as  ever,  are  ready 
to  say,  "  There  is  no  hope." 

Its  evil. 

It  dishonors  GOD.  It  insults  the  Divine  Being;  gives 
the  lie  to  the  promises  of  his  word,  and  the  declarations  of 
his  grace,  and  plucks  the  brightest  gem  from  his  crown.  It 
destroys  the  soul.  Those  Avho  indulge  in  it  cannot  be  saved. 
It  subverts  the  Gospel.  That  declares  there  is  hope,  even  for 
the  vilest,  and  forbids  us  to  cherish  the  feelings  of  despair. 

Its  remedy.     This  is  threefold, — 

A  belief  of  the  statements  of  the  Gospel.  This  gives  a 
direct  contradiction  to  it.  It  is  refuted  by  the  mediation  of 
Clmst,  by  the  promises  of  his  word,  by  the  gift  of  his  Spirit, 
by  millions  who  have  obtained  mercy.  Ask  Manasseh,  Ma- 
ry Magdalene,  Saul,  and  others,  whether  there  is  no  hope  ? 

Repentance  of  your  past  conduct.  There  is  no  hope  for 
the  impenitent,  but  the  broken  heart  shall  be  healed. 

Earnest  prayer.  Let  us  seek  to  have  a  good  hope  through 
grace,  and  never  despair  of  others,  however  careless  and  un- 
concerned. While  the  lamp  of  life  still  burns,  let  not  our 
hopes  for  them  expire.  God  is  able  to  plant  the  flower  of 
hope  in  the  very  bosom  of  despair. 

"  My  spirit  sinks  Avithin  me,  Lord  ; 
But  I  will  call' thy  gi-ace  to  raiud, 
And  times  of  past  distress  record, 

When  I  have  found  my  God  was  kind. 

"  0  God  !  thou  artmj'  hope,  my  joy  ; 

Thy  light  and  truth  shall  guide  me  still ; 
Thy  word  shall  my  best  thoughts  employ, 
And  lead  me  to'thv  heavenly  hill." 


THE  NATURE  AND  FOUNDATION  OF  THE  CHURCH.  213 
JULY  10. 

THE  NATURE  AND  FOUNDATION  OF  THE 
CHURCH. 

"  Upoa  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church  ;  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  preyail  against 
it."— Matt.  xri.  18. 

IVIant  have  sadly  mistaken  and  perverted  this  passage,  in 
making  Peter  the  head  of  the  Church.  It  is  probable  that, 
wlieu  our  Lord  uttered  the  words  now  before  us,  he  pointed 
to  himself,  —  "  Upon  this  rock."  Let  us  consider  the  Church 
in 

Its  NATURE.  It  does  not  refer  to  a  material  building,  but 
to  an  organized  society.  There  is  the  church  visible.  By 
this  is  meant  a  society  of  persons,  who,  in  ditferent  ages  and 
places  of  the  world,  have  made  a  profession  of  the  true  re- 
ligion. It  is  an  ancient,  honorable,  and  important  institution. 
To  it  pertain  the  oracles  of  God,  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel, 
and  the  ordinances  of  religion.  There  is  the  church  invisible. 
This  is  composed  of  true  believers,  who  are  spiritually  uni- 
ted to  Christ  as  their  Head.  It  is  a  wide  and  extensive 
church,  including  all  the  possessors  of  piety,  with  whatever 
denomination  they  may  be  connected. 

Its  ownkr.  "  My  church."  It  is  Christ's  by  sovereign 
choice  ;  "  chosen  in  him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world  ;" 
chosen  to  holiness,  happiness,  and  heaven.  By  covenant 
agreement.  The  members  of  the  invisible  church  were  given 
to  Christ  by  the  Father.  By  actual  purchase.  Believers 
are  not  their  own,  they  are  bought  with  a  price ;  redeemed 
by  blood  divine.  By  powerful  conquest.  This  conquest  is 
made  over  them  in  conversion,  which  is  the  day  of  God's 
power.  Finally,  the  church  is  his  by  voluntary  consent.  The 
will  of  the  penitent  sinner  is  sweetly  and  powerfully  inclined 
to  that  of  Christ,  and  he  presents  his  body  and  soul  a  living 
sacrifice  to  the  Divine  Being.     Contemplate  the  church  in 

Its  foundation.  "Upon  this  rock."  Jesus  Christ  is 
often  spoken  of  under  the  figure  of  a  stone.  The  church  is 
built  upon  a  rock  of  firmness.  All  false  systems  of  religion 
are  built  on  sand,  and  shall  sink  in  ruins ;  but  the  church 
is  founded  on  Christ,  the  Hock  of  ages.  For  elevation.  The 
church  of  Christ  is  far  above  the  level  of  this  world ;  its 
origin,  privileges,  enjoyments,  and  anticipations,  are  high. 
For  extent.  Some  I'ocks  are  very  large,  and  extend  to  a 
great  distance.     How  broad  and  extensive  is  the  foundation 


214  SAFETY    OF   THE    CHURCH. 

of  the  church !  Henry  observes,  "  Those  are  not  the 
church's  friends  that  narrow  its  foundations."  For  safety. 
Some  rocks  have  been  fled  to  for  safety  in  the  time  of  dan- 
ger. How  safe  are  all  those  that  build  on  Christ !  For  du- 
ration. Age  after  age  the  rock  stands  unmoved  ;  and  Jesus 
Christ  is  "  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  forever."  How 
wise  are  they  who  build  their  hopes  on  Christ !  The  waters 
of  affliction  cannot  drown  them,  the  floods  of  temptation  can- 
not overflow  them,  and  they  shall  not  sink  in  the  swellings  of 
Jordan.  As  Christ  said,  "  Upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my 
church,"  let  me  say,  "  Upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my 
hopes." 


JULY    17. 

THE  SAFETY  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

'  Upon  this  rock  I  vrill  build  my  church  ;  and  the  gates  of  hell  shaU  not  prevail  against 
it.'— Matt.  xvi.  18. 

Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  the  church  of  Christ.  It 
is  compared  to  a  garden,  a  fold,  a  family,  an  army,  and  a  city. 
Let  us  contemplate  it  in 

Its  builder.  ^^ I toill  huild mj chxxvch"  Christ  is  spok- 
en of  as  a  builder  in  the  language  of  prophecy,  Zech.  vi.  12, 
13.  As  he  is  the  foundation,  so  he  is  the  builder  ;  let  us  view 
this  edifice 

In  its  commencement.  The  foundation-stone  of  this  church 
was  laid  in  the  councils  of  the  Trinity ;  and  the  first  signs  of 
it  were  obscurely  seen  in  paradise  in  the  first  promise  :  but  it 
was  more  clearly  beheld  when  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and 
dwelt  among  us. 

In  its  progress.  This  building  was  carried  on  after  the 
Great  Master  Builder  had  ascended  up  into  heaven,  by  the 
ministration  of  the  apostles,  who  were  appointed  as  under 
builders.  Three  thousand,  under  Peter's  sermon,  on  the  day 
of  Pentecost,  were  added  to  the  Church,  and  became  lively 
stones  in  this  building.  The  building  of  the  Church  is  now 
going  forward  ;  many  spiritual  workmen  are  employed  in  it. 
He  builds  his  Church  by  converting  sinners,  and  edifying  his 
people. 

In  its  consummation.  The  building  is  not  yet  finished ; 
but  ere  long  the  top  stone  shall  be  brought  with  shouting, 


CONFIDENCE   IN   FUTURE    GOODNESS.  215 

"  Grace,  grace  unto  it."  It  shall  appear  perfect  and  com- 
plete ;  exhibiting  the  most  beautiful  symmetry  in  every  part ; 
the  glory  of  God,  the  wonder  of  saints,  the  admiration  of 
angels,  and  the  terror  of  all  its  adversaries. 

Its  safety.  "  And  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail 
against  it."  That  is,  the  power  and  policy  of  the  devil,  and 
all  the  efforts  of  wicked  man.     Here  is 

Opposition  implied.  The  Church  of  Christ  has  always 
been  opposed,  from  its  commencement  to  the  present  time,  by 
Satan  and  his  agents.  Many  are  the  gates  of  hell ;  the 
powers  of  darkness,  daring  infidels,  cruel  persecutors,  and 
false  teachers. 

Security  insured.  They  shall  not  prevail.  The  everlast- 
ing love  of  God,  the  mediation  and  intercession  of  Christ,  and 
the  divine  promises,  all  insure  it.  "  The  Church  of  God," 
says  Dr.  Krummacher,  "  is  like  a  palm  tree,  which  flourishes 
the  more  vigorously  the  more  it  is  pressed  down.  Every 
embarrassment  is  to  her  but  as  the  weight  to  the  clock,  which 
keeps  it  going ;  and  the  most  violent  storms  are  to  the  Church 
but  a  brisk  wind  in  the  sails,  which  impels  the  vessel  more 
rapidly  towards  the  harbor."  Let  me  rejoice  in  the  security 
of  Christ's  Cliurch,  and  desire  above  all  things  to  be  a  true 
member  of  it.  IIow  divine  its  origin,  how  inestimable  its 
pi-ivileges,  how  vast  its  honors,  how  imperishable  its  happi- 
ness ! 


JULY   18. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT  OF  PAST,  AND  CONFI- 
DENCE IN  FUTURE  GOODNESS. 

"  Lord,  thou  hast  heard  the  desire  of  the  humble  :  thou  wilt  prepare  their  heart,  thou 
wilt  cause  thine  ear  to  hoar." — Psalm  x.  17. 

It  is  a  just  sentiment,  that  when  the  sun  of  the  believer's 
hopes,  according  to  common  calculations,  is  set,  to  the  eye  of 
faith  it  is  still  visible,  when  much  of  the  rest  of  the  world  is 
in  darkness ;  the  liigh  ground  of  faith  is  illuminated  with  the 
brightness  of  religious  consolation.  In  this  Psalm  we  have 
a  dark  cloud  of  affliction,  beautifully  gilded  with  the  enliven- 
ing beams  of  hope  —  the  sun  shining  in  the  midst  of  a  shower , 
and  imprinting  on  the  gloomy  firmament  the  rainbow  of  mer- 
cy.    Observe 

The    Christian's    acknowledgment    op    the    past 


216  CONFIDENCE    IN   FUTURE    GOODNESS. 

GOODNESS  OP  God.  There  are  tliree  things  mentioned  of 
believers.  Their  character  —  "  the  humble."  A  sight  of  the 
evil  of  sin,  and  a  view  of  the  holiness  of  God,  will  induce 
humility.  We  have  much  to  make  us  humble.  Humility, 
like  the  plough,  fits  us  for  the  seed  of  mercy.  The  husband- 
man digs  up  the  clogs  to  prepare  the  soil  for  the  plants  that 
are  to  be  fixed  in  it,  that  they  may  thrive,  bud,  and  bloom, 
and  bring  forth  fruit.  2''heir  desire.  As  is  the  man,  so  are 
his  desires  —  as  is  the  fountain,  so  will  be  the  streams.  The 
believer's  desires  are  principally  for  the  soul ;  they  are  spiritual 
in  their  nature,  and  heavenly  in  their  tendency.  Their  privi- 
lege. Their  desire  is  heard.  They  have  a  Friend  in  the 
court  above  —  a  kind  Intercessor ;  this  is  proved  from  Scrip- 
ture testimony  and  personal  experience. 

The  Christian's  confidence  in  the  future  good- 
ness OF  God.     Consider 

What  God  does  in  his  people.  "  Thou  wilt  prepare  their 
heart."  This  implies  that  the  heart  is  naturally  unprepared. 
Prov.  xvi.  8.  It  is  like  an  uncultivated  wilderness,  filled 
with  weeds,  thorns,  and  briars,  having  no  flowers  to  bloom 
and  shed  their  fragrance ;  but  God  prepares  it,  by  softening 
it  for  the  reception  of  the  seed  of  the  kingdom.  The  heart 
is  by  nature  hard,  cold,  and  insensible  as  the  stone  ;  he  pre- 
pares it  by  melting  it  down,  that  it  may  receive  the  impress 
of  his  image,  and  feel  the  power  of  his  grace.  He  prepares 
it  for  prayer,  meditation,  and  all  the  divine  ordinances ;  he 
prepares  it  for  inward  conflicts  and  outward  trials,  for  the 
path  of  sorrow,  the  valley  of  death,  and  the  realms  of  glory. 

W7iat  God  does  for  Ms  peojile.  "  Thou  wilt  cause  thine 
ear  to  hear."  God  first  puts  desires  into  the  heart,  and  then 
hears  and  answers  them.  How  many  can  testify  to  the  truth 
of  this !  We  may  do  much,  by  Divine  aid,  in  the  way  of 
preparation  ;  God  prepares  the  heart  in  the  use  of  the  means- 
Especially  when  in  the  sanctuary,  let  us  inquire  whether  our 
hearts  are  prepared.  There  is  much  truth  in  the  remark, 
that  the  harp  must  be  tuned  well,  if  its  cords  are  to  harmon- 
ize, and  refresh  the  ear  with  melodious  strains ;  so  there  are 
preparatory  exercises  requisite  to  tune  the  heart  for  spiritual 
services. 


THE  ENMITY  OF  THE  HEART.  217 

JULY  19. 

THE  ENMITY  OF  THE  HEART. 

"  The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God."  —  Rom.  viii.  7. 

The  Bible  makes  the  most  important  discoveries,  both 
pleasing  and  painful.  Our  text  Avill  lead  us  to  the  considera- 
tion of  a  very  humiliating  and  affecting  subject  —  the  deprav- 
ity of  man. 

The  arguments  by  which  it  is  established.  The 
fact  to  be  proved  is,  that  man  has  fallen  from  the  original 
state  in  which  he  was  created ;  is  not  what  he  once  was.  Thia 
may  be  argued  from 

The  physical  disorders  to  which  he  is  subject.  Of  how  ma- 
ny bodily  distempers  and  ailments  is  he  the  victim !  If  sin 
had  not  entered  into  the  world,  sickness  «,nd  disease  would 
have  been  forever  unknown. 

77ie  anxiety,  sorrow,  and  pain,  which  attend  his  entrance 
into  life.  These  are  the  bitter  fruits  of  sin.  "  Unto  the  wo- 
man he  said,  I  will  greatly  multiply  thy  sorrow  and  thy  con- 
ception ;  in  sorrow  thou  shalt  bring  forth  children." 

The  existence  of  human  kncs,  and  the  sanctions  by  which 
they  are  enforced.  Daily  observation  furnishes  us  with  proofs 
of  the  lamentable  fact,  that  man  is  awfully  depraved.  Look 
to  our  courts  of  justice,  codes  of  laws,  and  prisons ;  what  do 
all  these  demonstrate  ? 

The  diversified  trials  with  which  he  is  visited.  Apart 
from  bodily  afflictions,  what  a  share  of  mental  distress  and 
agony  is  he  sometimes  the  subject  of!  Every  pang,  every 
groan,  every  smart,  has  a  voice  and  says,  "  How  art  thou  fal- 
len ! " 

The  fact  of  his  dissolution.  The  depravity  of  man  brings 
a  long  train  of  evils,  which  ends  in  death :  "  for  sin  brought 
death  into  the  world,  and  all  our  woe." 

The  testimony  of  Scripture.  How  plainly  is  the  fact  of 
man's  de[)ravity  laid  down  here  !  The  passage  before  us  is 
enough,  if  it  stood  alone. 

The  troperties  by  which  it  is  distinguished. 

It  is  inherent.  Enmity  holds  its  seat  in  the  heart.  Pride, 
covetousness,  malice,  hatred,  self-will,  passion,  love  of  re- 
venge, and  a  thousand  similar  evils,  are  but  the  ebullitions  of 
this  principle.  It  is  deceitful.  "What  depths  of  deceit  ai-e  in 
the  huin.-m  1i»^nrr!  see  Jer.  xvii.  9.  How  subtle,  artful,  and 
19 


218  SPIRITUAL    AFFECTIONS. 

insinuating  is  it  in  its  operations !  It  is  malignant.  The 
carnal  mind  is  enmity,  against  -whom  ?  Satan  ?  our  fellow- 
creatures  ?  those  who  hate  us  ?  No,  against  God  !  the  best, 
holiest,  and  most  benevolent  of  beings.  It  is  not  only  alien- 
ated from,  but  opposed  to  liim.  Man  is  not  only  a  wanderer 
from  his  Crod,  but  a  rebel  against  him.  It  is  practical.  The 
enmity  of  the  heart  displays  itself  in  the  opposition  and  wick- 
edness of  the  life.  Alienated  from  him  "  by  wicked  vjorks." 
It  is  tmiversal.  Both  as  it  regards  the  powers  and  faculties 
of  the  soul ;  and  as  it  respects  the  whole  of  mankind.  Let 
us  rejoice  in  that  grace  which  can  subdue  our  iniquity ;  and 
pray  that  we  may  feel  its  power  in  our  own  hearts. 


JULY   20. 

SPIRITUAL  AFFECTIONS. 

"  Set  your  affection  on  things  above,  not  on  things  on  the  earth."  —  Col.  iii.  2. 

The  grace  of  God  is  an  elevating  principle,  leading  the 
mind  from  the  trifling  objects  of  time,  to  the  grand  realities 
of  eternity.  '  As  the  Christian  is  said  to  suffer  with  Christ, 
to  be  crucified  and  buried  with  him,  so  he  is  represented  as 
being  risen  with  him  ;  ver.  1 .     Observe 

The  scope  op  the  apostolic  injltstction.     Here  is 

A  prohibition.  We  are  forbidden  to  set  our  affections  on 
things  on  the  earth.  We  must  not  pay  an  undue  regard  to 
them  —  we  must  not  expect  too  much  from  them  —  we  must 
keep  them  in  their  proper  place  —  hold  them  with  a  loose 
hand  —  give  the  preference  to  other  objects  ;  and  be  ready 
to  yield  them  up  at  the  Divine  pleasure. 

An  exhortation.  We  are  required  to  set  our  affections  on 
things  above.  What  things  ?  Those  objects  that  belong  to 
the  heavenly  state,  and  those  principles  and  feelings  that  are 
associated  with  our  preparation  for  it :  both  are  included  in 
the  term.  Our  affections  are  to  be  set  on  those  things  which 
are  connected  with  the  heavenly  state;  love  to  the  Saviour, 
fellowship  with  his  people,  the  enjoyment  of  ordinances,  the 
cultivation  of  holy  tempers  and  dispositions,  in  order  to  our 
better  preparation  for  the  eternal  world  ;  entire  conformity  to 
the  Divine  image,  and  perfect  resignation  to  the  Divine  will. 
The  subject  requires  us  to  estimate  the  real  wortli  of  things. 


THE    WONDERFUL    SCENE.  219 

to  exercise  a  lively  faith  in  invisible  realities,  and  to  have  a 
heart  weaned  from  the  world. 

The  motives  By  -wincii  it  may  be  enforced.  Paul 
assigns  several  reasons  in  the  following  verses,  3  and  4. 
There  are  many  considerations  which  should  urge  you  to  it. 

Tour  dignified  character.  Think  of  the  high  distinctions 
which  are  associated  with  the  possession  of  religion  ;  and  if 
you  are  real  Christians,  act  up  to  your  professions. 

Tour  distinguished  advantages.  God  has  blest  you  with 
an  abundance  of  spiritual  moans  and  resources,  and  you  are 
accountable  for  the  right  use  of  them ;  you  have  golden  sea- 
sons and  valuable  opportunities  for  so  doing. 

Your  jjresent  enjorjments.  There  can  be  no  solid  comfort 
and  happiness  in  licking  the  dust  like  the  serpent ;  but  heaven 
is  begun  below,  when  in  the  enjoyment  of  spiritual  blessings 
you  eat  angels'  food. 

iour  future  destinies.  If  you  would  realize  at  last  the 
full  possession  of  heavenly  things,  you  must  set  your  afiec- 
tions  on  them  now. 

How  have  we  to  mourn  our  carnality  and  earthly  minded- 
ness !  Let  Christ  be  in  our  heart,  and  heaven  in  our  eye, 
and  then  the  world  will  be  under  our  feet. 


JULY   21. 

THE  WONDERFUL  SCENE. 

'■  Christ  crucified."  —  1  Cor.  i.  23. 

This  is  an  inexhaustible  subject —  it  contains  the  basis  of 
our  faith,  the  ground  of  our  confidence,  the  object  of  our  tri- 
umph, and  the  medium  of  all  spiritual  and  eternal  blessings. 
Behold  in  Christ  crucified 

A  SCENE  OF  GLORY.  Glory  as  it  refers  to  his  character 
and  perfections.  He  is  the  briglitness  of  his  Father's  glory. 
In  the  cross  we  have  an  exhibition  of  all  the  Divine  attrfbutes 
in  equal,  united,  and  eternal  splendor. 

A  SCENE  OF  EFFICACY.  Li  the  death  of  Christ  we  find 
an  answer  to  all  the  requirements  of  the  law,  and  the  demands 
of  justice.  Here  our  guilt  is  removed,  our  pardon  is  obtained, 
sin  atoned  for,  hell  vanquished,  and  heaven  opened.  This  is 
the  medium  through  which  the  influences  of  the  Spirit  des- 
cend upon  us  ;  and  the  foundation  of  our  Saviour's  prevalent 


320  THE    CHRISTIAN   IN    CHRIST. 

intercession  in  heaven.  By  it,  how  many  dead  sinners  hare 
been  quickened ;  how  many  sorrowful  penitents  have  been 
made  to  rejoice  ;  how  many  proud  boasters  have  been  humbled; 
how  many  desponding  souls  have  been  comforted ! 

A  SCENE  OF  IGNOMINY.  Many  things  connected  with  our 
Savioux''s  humiliation  were  ignominious  :  his  introduction  into 
the  world  ;  the  meanness  of  his  condition  here ;  the  epithets 
heaped  on  him  ;  his  being  clothed  with  the  purple  robe  ;  hav- 
ing a  reed  given  to  him  for  a  sceptre ;  being  crowned  with 
thorns,  and  suffering  the  death  of  the  cross. 

A  SCENE  OF  LOVE.  This  was  the  principle  that  con- 
strained him  to  suffer  so  much.  The  greatness  of  his  suffer- 
ing did  not  prevent  his  attention  to  his  mother,  John  xix.  26, 
27.  He  did  not  forget  the  interests  of  the  women  that  fol- 
lowed him  weeping,  Luke  xxiii.  28.  He  prayed  for  his  ene- 
mies, who  were  gnashing  on  him  with  their  teeth  :  "  Father, 
forgive  them  ;  for  they  know  not  what  they  do."  He  heard 
the  prayer  of  the  thief  who  had  reviled  him  ;  and  said,  "  To- 
day shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  paradise." 

A  SCENE  OF  TiESPONSiBiHTT.  You  must  give  an  account 
of  the  manner  in  which  you  regard  this  solemn  scene ;  there 
must  be  repentance  for  sin  ;  faith  in  and  love  to  Christ,  and 
active  exertions  in  his  cause.  If  Christ  was  crucified  for  me, 
I  must  be  crucified  to  the  world ;  dead  to  its  spirit,  principles, 
and  maxims,  and  alive  to  him  who  died  for  me.  The  attrac- 
tive influence  of  the  cross,  says  one,  is  to  us  what  the  heat  of 
the  sun  is  to  the  moisture  of  the  earth  —  the  only  drawing 
power ;  other  doctrines  may,  like  the  moon,  produce  regular 
tides  of  formal  worship,  and,  like  the  stars,  brighten  the  sur- 
face of  the  character ;  but  they  shine  too  cold  to  regenerate 
the  heart,  or  purify  the  conscience. 


JULY   22. 

THE  CHRISTIAN  IN  CHRIST. 

"  ^VTio  also  were  in  Christ  before  me."  —  Roni.  xvi  7. 

The  persons  here  spoken  of,  are  Andronicus  and  Junia,  erf" 
whom  much  is  said  in  a  few  words.  It  appears  they  were 
related  to  Paul,  and  suffered  with  him  for  the  Gospel's  sake ; 
were  eminent  among  the  apostles,  and  had  experienced  a 
saving  change,  previous  to  the  period  of  Paul's  conversion. 
From  this  passage  we  learn, 


THE    CHRISTIAN    IN    CHRIST.  221 

It  is  THE  CHARACTER  OF  EVERY  CHRISTIAN  THAT  HE  IS 

IN  Christ.  "We  may  be  great  proficients  in  knowledge,  and 
yet  not  be  in  Christ.  Knowledge  is  a  flower  that  may  grow 
to  a  great  height  in  the  wilderness  of  corrupt  nature.  We 
may  be  regular  in  the  performance  of  the  outward  duties  of 
religion,  and  yet  not  be  in  Christ.  Judas,  Denias,  Ananias 
and  Sapphira,  Ilymcneus,  and  Philetus,  once  renowned  as 
true  Christians,  made  shipwreck  of  their  faith.  But  what  is 
it  to  be  in  Christ  ?     It  is 

To  he  united  to  his  matchless  person.  There  are  three  mys- 
terious unions  in  our  holy  religion  :  the  spiritual  union  of  the 
three  Divine  Persons  in  one  Godhead  ;  the  pei-sonal  union  of 
the  Divine  and  human  natures  of  Christ ;  and  the  mystical 
union  between  Christ  and  his  people.  This  union  is  real. 
This  is  evident  from  the  figures  and  phrases  by  which  it  is 
expressed  in  Scripture,  John  xv.  1 ;  Eph,  ii.  20  ;  v.  30.  This 
union  is  mysterious.  It  is  a  mystery  that  shall  be  better  un- 
derstood in  the  light  of  glory.  "  At  that  day,"  says  Christ, 
"  shall  ye  know  that  I  am  in  my  Father,  and  you  in  me,  and 
I  in  you."  It  is  indissoluble.  It  is  only  cemented  by  age, 
and  strengthened  by  death  ;  IJoui.  viii.  38,  39. 

7'o  he  interested  in  his  savinr/  relations.  As  a  Prophet,  he 
is  our  light ;  as  a  Priest,  he  is  our  propitiation  and  Advocate  ; 
as  a  King,  he  subdues  the  enmity  of  our  hearts,  and  defends 
us  from  the  enemies  of  our  souls.  He  is  our  Friend  to  con- 
fide in  ;  our  Physician  to  heal  us. 

To  pcu-tale  of  his  inestimable  blessings.  Those  who  are  in 
Christ  have  a  rich  inheritance.  They  have  peace  with  God, 
and  peace  of  conscience  ;  Christ  is  theirs  ;  his  Spirit  is  their 
guide  ;  his  covenant  is  their  charter  for  the  holy  inheritance  ; 
his  righteousness  is  their  garment  for  the  marriage  supper  of 
the  Lamb  ;  his  fulness  is  their  treasure  ;  his  promise  is  their  se- 
curity ;  and  his  heaven  will  be  their  everlasting  home.  It  is 
the  condition  of  all  the  ungodly  that  they  are  Avithout  Christ. 
Seek,  therefore,  to  be  in  Christ ;  not  only  by  professing  his 
name,  l)ut  by  partaking  of  his  grace,  and  living  to  his  glory. 
Here  is  the  test :  "  If  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is  a  new  crea- 
ture." 

'•  Oh  the  rich  depths  of  love  ilivine, 
or  bli^,*,  a  houtidlc-s  store  ! 
Denr  Saviour,  let  nic  call  tlico  mine, 
1  canuot  wiirh  for  more  !  " 

19* 


222  PRIVILEGE    OF   BEING   EARLY   IN    CHRIST. 

JULY   23. 

THE  PRIVILEGE  OF  BEING  EARLY  IN  CHRIST. 

"  A^Tio  also  were  in  Christ  before  me."  —  Rom.  rri.  7. 

While  it  is  the  character  of  every  Christian,  that  he  is  in 
Christ, 

It  is  the  privilege  of  some,  that  they  are  early 
IN  Christ.  Let  us  consider  the  peculiar  advantages  of  those 
who  are  early  united  to  the  Saviour. 

They  are  sooner  delivered  from  their  spiritual  miseries.  Is 
not  this  desirable?  The  blessedness  of  the  young  convei't 
above  that  of  the  old,  may  be  illustrated  by  the  case  of  two 
men  cast  into  prison  for  debt :  the  one  is  released  from  his 
confinement  by  the  creditor,  at  the  expiration  of  a  few  weeks  ; 
the  other  is  not  liberated  till  twenty  or  thirty  years  afterwards  : 
the  condition  of  the  former  is  far  preferable  to  that  of  the  lat- 
ter, if  liberty  is  better  than  bondage. 

They  are  pi-evented  from  the  commission  of  much  sin. 
What  a  painful  reflection  must  it  be  for  aged  converts,  that 
they  have  spent  the  best  of  their  time  in  dishonoring  God, 
and  have  perhaps  been  the  means  of  enticing  many  from  the 
path  of  rectitude,  and  leading  them  on  in  the  way  to  eternal 
ruin  !  It  is  probable  when  Paul  spoke  of  Andronicus  and 
Junia  being  in  Christ  before  him,  he  reviewed  with  the  deepest 
sorrow  and  regret  his  own  past  history,  in  persecuting  the 
church,  and  blaspheming  the  name  of  God. 

They  are  more  likely  to  attain  to  eminent  piety.  Those  \\'ho 
are  early  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  have  more 
time  and  opportunity  for  making  progress  in  their  Christian 
course ;  and  the  longer  grace  is  improved,  the  more  we  are 
likely  to  grow  and  increase  in  it.  Early  piety  generally  leads 
to  eminent  piety. 

They  have  greater  opportnnities  of  being  more  eoctensively 
useful.  The  Christian  is  to  live  to  God,  in  a  Avay  of  personal 
piety,  and  to  others,  by  relative  usefulness.  Those  who  em- 
brace Christ,  just  as  their  sun  is  beginning  to  set,  can  do  but 
little  in  his  cause ;  for  as  soon  as  they  begin  to  labor  in  the 
vineyard,  the  shadows  of  the  evening  gather  around  them,  and 
warn  them  of  the  night,  when  no  man  can  work.  We  might 
add,  that  {he  attainment  of  eminent  piety  and  extensive  use- 
fuhiess  will  be  crowned  witli  greater  glory  above,  "  for  one 
star  differeth  from  another  star  in  glorv,"  1  Cor.  xv.  41  ;  Dan. 


RECEIVING    THE    HOLY    GHOST.  223 

xii.  3.  Though  all  the  vessels  hi  glory  shall  be  filled  to  over- 
flowing, yet  some  shall  be  capable  of  holding  more  than  oth- 
ers. Let  young  converts  rejoice  and  go  forward.  Let  young 
inquirers  be  encouraged,  and  never  rest  till  they  are  in  Christ. 
Let  the  thoughtless  and  giddy  young  seek  Chi'ist  as  their 
cliief  good.  Let  the  aged,  who  are  yet  out  of  Christ,  remem- 
ber that  he  can  save  even  at  the  eleventh  hour. 


JULY    24. 

RECEIVING  THE   HOLY   GHOST. 

"  nave  yc  received  the  Holy  Ghost  ?  "  —  Acts  xix.  2. 

Many  who  sit  under  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  and  pro- 
fess to  believe,  are  ignorant  of  the  saving  operations  of  the 
Spirit  of  God.  Wc  have  an  instance  of  this  in  the  context. 
This  is  a  very  important  question  ;  let  us  put  it  to  you,  in 
reference  to  the  various  ofHces  of  the  Spirit. 

Have  you  received  him  as  a  Spirit  op  conviction  ? 
He  convinces  us  of  sin,  in  its  dreadful  nature.  He  tells  us 
what  sin  is.  Sin  is  never  felt  as  a  burden  till  the  Spii'it  has 
discovered  it  to  us  in  its  true  and  hideous  deformity  :  then  we 
exclaim,  "  Behold  I  am  vile."  In  its  alarming  consequences. 
Thus  he  tells  us  what  sin  does,  and  what  it  will  lead  to  if  per- 
sisted in.  It  has  robbed  us  of  the  Divine  image  and  favor, 
and  exposed  us  to  the  Divine  wrath  and  displeasure. 

Have  you  received  him  as  a  Spirit  of  instruction? 
He  is  given  to  impart  light  to  the  mind  as  well  as  conviction 
to  the  conscience.  Wliat  docs  he  teach  ?  He  shows  to  us 
the  Saviour  in  tJte  glory  of  Ids  Person.  Christ  can  only  be 
seen  in  his  glory,  as  he  is  beheld  in  the  light  of  the  Spirit, 
through  the  glass  of  the  word.  Ilie  fulness  of  his  grace.  The 
Spirit  teaches  us  not  only  what  Christ  is,  but  what  he  has, 
and  what  he  has  done.  He  points  out  to  us  the  suitableness 
of  his  grace,  the  plenitude  of  it,  the  consummation  to  which  it 
leads,  and  tlie  freeness  by  which  it  is  characterized.  The  suf- 
ficiency of  his  righteousness.  He  first  shows  us  the  insuffi- 
ciency of  our  own,  and  then  the  all-sufficiency  of  the  Saviour's. 
77ie  reaso)iahleness  of  his  requirements.  lie  discovers  to  us 
the  nature  of  those  duties  and  exercises  demanded  at  our 


224  THE  christian's  privilege. 

hands,  and  assures  us  of  the  blessings  and  privileges  associated 
with  his  service. 

Have  you  received  him  as  a  Spirit  of  conversion? 
Thus  he  turns  and  changes  the  heart.  It  is  a  turning  —  I'rom 
the  world  to  religion.  The  Spirit  teaches  us  the  vanity  of  the 
pleasures,  riches,  honors,  and  expectations  of  the  world,  and 
the  importance,  necessity,  and  desirableness  of  religion.  From 
ourselves  to  Christ.  Then  we  renounce  all  ideas  of  obtaining 
salvation  by  our  own  deeds.  Christ  is  all  and  in  all.  From 
the  service  of  Satan  to  God.  Thus  the  thraldom  of  sin  is  ex- 
changed lor  the  liberty  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  hard  yoke  of 
Satan  for  the  easy  yoke  of  Christ. 

Have  you  received  him  as  a  Spirit  of  consolation  ? 
He  is  styled  the  Comforter  —  the  idea  of  comfort  implies  the 
existence  of  sorrovir  and  trouble.  He  comforts  the  penitent 
sinner  with  a  sense  of  pardon  ;  the  tried  believer  with  an  as- 
surance of  God's  love  to  him  ;  and  the  dying  Christian  by  the 
supports  of  the  Gospel.  Reader,  have  you  received  the  Holy 
Ghost  ? 


JULY    25. 

THP:   CHRISTIAN'S  PRIVILEGE,   PRAYER,   AND 
PLEA. 

"  Help  us,  0  Lord  our  God  !  for  we  rest  on  thee."  —  2  Chron.  xiv.  11. 

Piety  is  lovely  wherever  it  is  seen,  whether  in  the  hum- 
bler walks  or  higher  j-anks  of  life.  Religion  often  dwells  in 
a  cottage,  but  rarely  in  a  palace.  "We  have  an  instance  of  a 
pious  king  before  us  :  "  Asa  did  that  which  was  good  and  right 
in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  his  God."  In  the  field  of  battle,  before 
encountering  the  enemy,  he  cried  for  help  from  on  high.  It 
is  a  suitable  prayer  for  us  at  all  times.     Note 

The  Christian's  privilege.  He  is  permitted  to  own 
God  as  his, 

3i/  a  gracious  choice  on  the  i')art  of  God.  Salvation  is  all 
of  grace,  in  its  contrivance,  accomplishment,  and  application 
—  there  is  grace  in  the  believer's  calling,  justification,  saucti- 
fication,  and  glorification.  He  is  chosen  to  be  saved  by  him, 
walk  after  him,  live  to  him,  and  spend  eternity  with  him. 


PEACE    AND    PROSPERITY.  225 

By  a  cheerful  consent  on  the  part  of  the  believer.  Thus  he 
is  made  willing  in  the  clay  of  God's  power.  The  Spirit  kin- 
dles the  first  ray  of  light  in  the  beclouded  mind,  and  creates 
the  first  earnest  desire  towards  God ;  and  then  there  is  a  per- 
sonal dedication  of  ourselves  to  him. 

The  Christian's  prayer.  "  Help  us,  0  Lord,  our  God !" 
We  require  help  in  our  devotional  exercises  ;  the  chariot 
wheels  go  heavily  without  a  propeUing  influence  from  above  ; 
and  if  the  fountain  were  to  be  shut  up,  the  streams  Avould  soon 
be  dry.  Without  Divine  help  there  is  no  food  in  the  sanctu- 
ary, no  life  in  prayer,  no  delight  in  meditation,  no  communion 
in  the  closet.  AYe  need  help  in  our  spiritual  conflicts.  What 
is  the  use  of  our  armor  without  the  assistance  of  our  Great 
Captain  ?  We  want  help  in  our  relative  duties,  that  we  may 
adorn  the  doctrines  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things,  social 
as  well  as  sacred. 

The  Christian's  plea.  "  For  we  rest  on  thee."  This 
denotes  a  spiritual  acquaintance  with  God  —  a  strong  confi- 
dence in  him,  and  a  patient  waiting  for  him.  Let  us  at  all 
times  rest  on  his  word,  and  on  the  arm  of  his  power,  looking 
up  to  the  glorious  stars  of  promise  that  shine  in  the  cloudy 
firmament  —  reposing  amidst  the  waves  of  aftliction  like  Noah 
in  his  ark  —  secure  like  a  hero  in  his  armor,  or  soldiers  in  a 
garrison. 


JULY  26. 

PEACE  AND  PROSPERITY. 

"  Peace  be  within  thy  walls,  and  prosperity  within  thy  palaces.    For  my  brethren 
and  companions'  sakes,  I  will  now  say,  Peace  be  within  thee."  —  Psalm  cxsii.  7,  8. 

Such  are  the  effusions  of  a  heart  filled  with  love  to  God. 
Li  them  consider 

The  desire  expressed.  Peace  and  prosperity.  This 
we  should  implore 

For  ourselves.  Personal  piety  is  essentially  requisite  to 
prosperity  in  the  various  scenes  and  associations  of  life.  What 
is  the  health  of  the  body  to  the  prosperity  of  the  soul  ?  what 
are  common  mercies  to  covenant  blessings  ?  what  is  a  portion 
in  life  to  a  hope  in  death?     If  our  souls  arc  prosperous,  there 


226         BELIEVERS  THE  FRIENDS  OF  GOD. 

■will  be  In  us  an  increasing  hatred  to  sin,  and  a  growing  desire 
after  holiness. 

For  our  families.  How  delightful  is  it  to  see  pious  parents 
training  up  their  children  for  God;  and  most  anxious  that 
they  may  "  live,"  in  the  best  sense  of  the  word,  before  him. 
Nothing  insures  domestic  comfort  and  happiness  so  much  as 
religion.  Baxter  remarks,  that  if  parents  did  their  duty,  more 
would  be  savingly  called  in  the  family  than  in  the  sanctuary. 

For  the  Church.  We  should  desire  peace  and  prosperity, 
not  only  for  that  section  of  the  chui'ch  to  which  we  belong, 
but  for  the  whole  family  of  God.  In  proportion  as  we  are 
attracted  by  the  holy  influence  of  the  cross,  shall  we  be  drawn 
as  with  the  power  of  the  loadstone  to  each  other ;  and  our 
shades  of  difference  will  be  eclipsed  by  the  splendors  of  that 
glory  with  which  we  are  enshrined. 

The  reason  assigned.     Three  may  be  given. 

The  Redeemer's  honor.  This  is  involved  in  the  prosperity 
of  the  Church.  "  Upon  himself  shall  the  crown  flourish  ;  " 
the  crown  of  dignity  and  honor  ;  and  every  redeemed  sinner 
is  a  bright  diamond  in  that  crown,  adding  to  its  lustre  and  in- 
creasing its  brilliancy. 

The  Church's  comfort.  "  For  my  brethren  and  compan- 
ions' sakes."  How  refreshing  and  reviving  is  it  to  the  minds 
of  believers  when  peace  and  prosperity  reign  in  the  church  ! 

The  m.inisters  joy.  This  is  closely  identified  with  his  use- 
fulness. How  can  he  rejoice  if  the  cause  of  God  is  declin- 
ing, and  the  love  of  many  is  waxing  cold  ?  "  For  what  is  our 
hope,  or  joy,  or  crown  of  rejoicing?  ax'e  not  ye  even  in  the 
presence  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  at  his  coming  ?  for  ye  are 
our  glory  and  joy." 


JULY   27. 
BELIEVERS   THE   FRIENDS    OF    GOD. 

"  Abraham  my  friend."  —  Isa.  xli.  8. 

"What  an  interesting  character  was  Abraham  !  He  is  made 
honorable  mention  of  both  in  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  — 
he  is  called  by  way  of  eminence,  "  The  father  of  the  faith- 
ful." There  is  something  delightful  even  in  the  name  of 
friendship.  Let  us  contemplate  the  friendship  that  exists  be- 
tween the  believer  and  his  God. 

Its  nature.  In  order  to  understand  this,  we  must  take 
two  views  of  it. 


BELIEVERS    THE     FRIENDS    OF    GOD.  227 

The  friendship  God  hears  toivards  his  people.  It  is  gi'a- 
cioiis  — it  originates  in  liis  grace,  and  peculiarly  displays  it  — 
it  is  divine,  connected  with  divine  things,  and  attended  with 
divine  communications  —  it  is  disinterested;  here  all  the 
benefit  is  on  our  side,  in  earthly  friendship  it  is  mutual  —  it 
is  watchful ;  our  Divine  Friend  is  continually  watching  over 
our  best  interests  —  it  is  inviolable;  he  will  never  betray 
our  confidence,  but  will  prove  faithful  to  the  last. 

27ie  friendship  they  bear  towards  God.  What  are  its  qual- 
ities ?  It  is  sincere  ;  many  make  great  professions  of  regard 
to  us,  who  are  insincere.  Are  we  sincere  in  our  attachment 
to  the  cause  of  God,  and  in  our  zeal  for  his  gloiy  ?  It  is 
faithful.  If  we  are  the  friends  of  God,  we  shall  be  faithful 
unto  death,  we  shall  confide  in  his  promises,  and  rely  on  his 
covenant  engagements.  It  is  durable.  Ah  !  how  many  pro- 
fess to  be  the  friends  of  God,  and  run  well  for  a  time,  but 
en^  long  walk  no  more  with  hira  ! 

Its  ADVANTAGES.  The  most  inestimable  benefits  result 
from  it. 

It  confers  real  dignity.  It  is  estimated  an  honor  to  claim 
friendship  with  the  great  and  mighty  of  the  earth ;  but  what 
is  this  compared  with  the  friendship  of  God  ?  This  ennobles 
the  soul,  and  elevates  the  mind. 

It  is  associated  with  solid  pleasu7-e.  Friendship  has  its 
sweets  ;  Init  how  often,  while  we  are  admiring  the  rose,  are 
we  prickled  with  the  thorn ! 

"  Each  pleasure  has  its  poison  too, 
And  every  sweet  a  snare." 

It  insures  constant  protection.  With  such  a  Friend  we 
must  be  safe.  He  has  power  in  his  arm,  and  vigilance  in  his 
eye,  as  well  as  pity  in  his  heart. 

It  shall  be  consummated  in  eternal  happiness.  Soon  all  the 
friends  of  God  shall  be  exalted  to  the  realms  of  glory.  Oh  ! 
let  it  be  my  highest  ambition  to  have  it  said  of  me  when  T 
am  no  more,  "  lie  was  called  the  friend  of  God." 

"  IIow  fiiTTi  tlie  saint's  foundation  stands  I 
His  hopes  can  ne'er  remove, 
Sustained  by  God's  ahniglity  hand, 
Ami  sheltered  in  his  love.'' 


228  god's  greatest  mercy. 

JULY   28. 
GOD'S  GREATEST  MERCY. 

"  Jesus  answered  them,  Many  good  works  have  I  showed  you  from  my  Father;  for 
which  of  these  works  do  ye  stone  me  ?" — John  x.  32. 

In  reading  the  New  Testament,  we  cannot  but  be  struck 
at  tlie  rage  and  malice  of  the  Jews  towards  our  Saviour  and 
his  cause.  In  this  chapter  we  find  them  manifesting  great 
opposition,  after  he  had  declared  the  most  gracious  truths : 
"  Then  the  Jews  took  up  stones  again,  to  stone  him."  He 
might  have  commanded  fire  to  descend  from  heaven,  and  con- 
sume them  for  their  sin ;  but  he  replies  by  putting  a  very- 
touching,  melting  question,  one  would  think  enough  to  move 
them, "  Many  good  works  have  I  showed  you  from  my  Father  ; 
for  which  of  these  works  do  ye  stone  me  ?"  Here  we  have 
two  subjects  of  interesting  contemplation,  God's  greatest  mer- 
cy, and  man's  blackest  crime. 

God's  greatest  mercy.  It  is  the  gift  of  his  Son  to 
work  good  among  us.     Observe  five  things,  — 

His  works.  He  came  into  the  world  not  to  live  a  life  of 
idleness  and  ease,  but  to  work.  How  early  was  he  occupied 
in  it !  When  only  twelve  years  old,  his  parents  found  him  in 
the  temple  with  the  doctors  ;  he  said  to  his  mother,  "  Wist  ye 
not  that  I  must  be  about  my  Father's  business  ?  " 

Their  quality.  "  Good  works."  Nothing  else  could  have 
proceeded  from  him.  He  went  about  doing  good.  He  per- 
formed miracles  of  mercy.  He  did  good  to  the  bodies  and 
souls  of  men.  Human  redemption  was  the  grand  work  he 
came  into  the  world  to  perform. 

Their  number.  "  Many."  His  enemies  acknowledge  this. 
"  This  man  doeth  many  miracles."  His  miracles  tended  to 
confirm  one  another.  We  have  many  recorded,  but  the  half 
is  not  told  us,  see  John  xxi.  25.  There  is  enough  to  assure 
us  that  he  was  the  Son  of  God. 

Their  manifestation.  "  I  have  shoioed  you."  These  vile 
creatures  who  attempted  to  stone  him,  had  been  eye-witnesses 
of  many  of  his  wonderful  works.  They  were  shown  not  for 
ostentation,  but  conviction. 

Their  appointment.  "  From  my  Father."  As  Mediator, 
he  acted  as  the  Father's  servant.  They  were  works  out  of 
the  ordinaiy  course  of  nature,  above  the  power  of  a  mere 
man  to  perform.  How  many  good  works  in  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel  has  he  showed  us !  Where  is  our  gratitude  ? 
How  have  we  received  him  ?  Let  God's  greatest  mercy  be 
our  highest  joy. 


man's  blackest  crime.  229^" 

JULY  29. 
MAN'S  BLACKEST   CRIME. 

"  Jesus  answered  them,  Many  good  works  have  I  showed  you  from  my  Father ;  for 
which  of  these  works  do  ye  stone  me  ?" — John  x.  32. 

We  have  noticed  in  these  words,  God's  greatest  mercy. 
Let  us  now  consider 

Man's  blackest  crime.  For  the  good  works  our  Lord 
performed,  the  Jews  took  up  stones  to  stone  him.  Can  we 
conceive  of  any  thing  more  awful,  and  which  so  much  tends 
to  show  that  degraded  state  into  which  human  nature  has 
sunk  ?  For  these  good  works  they  ought  to  have  admired, 
loved,  and  received  him  ;  but  how  different  was  the  conduct 
they  evinced !     Notice  here 

The  depravity  of  man.  The  Jews  furaished  a  dreadful 
exhibition  of  it.  But  it  is  not  confined  to  them ;  how  many 
are  there,  who,  as  it  were,  stone  the  Saviour  again,  crucify 
him  afresh,  and  put  him  to  an  open  shame !  He  is  stoned  in 
his  religion,  in  his  cause,  in  his  people.  An  injury  done  to 
them  he  considers  as  done  to  himself.  Thus  he  said,  "  Saul, 
Saul,  wliy  persecutest  thou  me  ?"  "What  good  things  religion 
engages  to  do  for  man !  It  would  reclaim  him  in  his  wan- 
dering from  God,  restore  him  to  the  Divine  favor  and  image, 
open  to  him  the  only  source  of  happiness,  dignify  and  ennoble 
his  spirit,  elevate  him  beyond  the  trifling  things  of  time,  and 
prepare  him  for  a  glorious  immortality ;  these  are  good  works, 
and  for  these  it  is  stoned. 

The  forbearance  of  God.  Here  is  a  wonderful  instance 
of  it.  Why  were  they  not  immediately  struck  dead,  by  an 
act  of  his  signal  vengeance  ?  To  give  a  display  of  his  amaz- 
ing patience,  and  prove  to  us  the  fact  of  a  judgment  to  come. 
Persecutors  oftentimes  go  long  unpunished,  not  because  the 
Almighty  cannot  inflict  it  on  them,  but  to  give  them  time  to 
repent,  and  show  us  that  he  is  not  willing  that  any  should 
perish.     Account  the  long-suffering  of  God  salvation. 

T'he  mildness  of  the  Saviour.  He  asked,  "  For  which  of 
the  seworks  do  ye  stone  me  ?  "  How  well  was  it  said  of  him, 
"  full  of  grace  and  truth"  !  If  he  taught  with  authority,  that 
authority  was  tempered  with  kindness ;  it  was  not  the  power 
of  the  hammer  breaking  the  rock  in  pieces,  but  that  of  the 
spring  melting  the  rigor  of  winter,  changing  the  severity  of 
the  frost,  and  drawing  out  all  into  life  and  loveliness.  Let 
us  go  forth  to  him  without  the  camp,  bearing  his  reproach. 
20 


230  THE    PRACTICAL    INFLUENCE    OP   RELIGION. 

JULY   30. 

THE  PRACTICAL  INFLUENCE  OF  RELIGION. 

"  But  so  did  not  I,  because  of  the  fear  of  God." — Nehem.  y.  15. 

In  the  time  of  Nehemiah,  the  Jews  were  in  a  most  deplor- 
able state,  of  which  this  book  furnishes  an  account.  We  see 
here  the  concern  he  felt  in  their  welfare,  and  his  endeavors  to 
promote  their  good.  "  In  this  book,"  says  llenrj,  "  he  records 
not  only  the  works  of  his  hands,  but  the  workings  of  his  heart." 
The  text  contains  a  beautiful  sentiment,  and  will  lead  us  to 
contemplate  religion  in  two  points  of  view. 

Its  commanding  principle.  "  The  fear  of  God." 
This  includes  the  whole  of  religion.     Notice 

Its  seat.  It  has  its  residence  in  the  heart.  There  can  be 
no  true  religion  where  the  heart  is  not  concerned.  Having 
the  fear  of  God  before  the  eyes  is  an  outward  effect  of  an 
inward  cause. 

Its  nature.  It  consists  in  right  apprehensions  of  the  Di- 
vine character,  and  a  reverential  awe  of  the  Divine  glory  and 
majesty  ;  manifests  itself  in  obedience  to  the  Divine  will,  and 
submission  to  the  Divine  authority.  "  Fear  God,  and  keep 
his  commandments." 

Its  source.  It  originates  from  God.  "  I  will  put  my  fear 
in  their  hearts,  that  they  shall  not  depart  from  me."  The 
slavish  dread  of  God  Avhich  the  wicked  feel,  arises  from  sin 
and  a  guilty  conscience ;  but  the  filial  fear  experienced  by 
believers  is  the  result  of  imparted  grace,  and  a  conscience 
sprinkled  with  the  blood  of  Christ.  Let  us  look  at  religion 
in 

Its  practical  influence.  "  But  so  did  not  I."  That  is, 
Nehemiah  could  not  act  as  the  ungodly  did,  because  of  the 
restraining  influence  of  the  principle  be  possessed.  We  re- 
mark of  this  principle,  that 

It  is  extensive  in  its  range.  It  will  lead  to  an  uniformity 
and  consistency  of  character.  It  induces  us  to  abstain  from 
all  that  is  sinful,  use  moderation  in  all  things  lawful,  and  ex- 
ercise diligence  in  religious  concerns.  It  will  influence  us  in 
our  secret  devotions,  in  our  domestic  duties,  and  in  our  pub- 
lic exercises. 

It  is  decisive  in  its  nature.  It  enables  us  to  act  with  fixed- 
ness and  decision  of  mind,  with  a  determination  which  be- 
comes the  followers  of  God,  neither  allured  by  the  smiles,  nor 


PARENTAL    NEGLECT.  231 

intimidated  by  the  frowns,  of  those  who  are  pursuing  a  con- 
trary course. 

It  is  hahitiial  in  its  exercise.  It  is  not  a  princi{)le  operat- 
ing by  fits  and  starts,  but  steady  and  continual  in  its  actings; 
thus  we  are  enjoined  to  be  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  all  the  day 
long.     May  this  fear  be  implanted  in  our  hearts  ! 


JULY   31. 

PARENTAL  NEGLECT. 

"  A  child  left  to  himself  bringeth  his  mother  to  shame."— Prov.  xxix.  15. 

How  important  the  situation,  and  how  great  the  responsi- 
bility, of  the  parental  character  !  The  Bible  insists  much  on 
the  various  duties  of  parents  and  children ;  and  if  these 
counsels  were  attended  to,  how  much  more  happy  and  peace- 
ful would  many  families  be  !  In  this  passage  we  have  t^vo 
things. 

An  affecting  case.     "A  child  left  to  himself,"  that  is, 

Without  suitable  instruction.  Instruction  to  the  mind  is 
what  food  is  to  the  body  :  "  That  the  soul  be  without  knowledge 
is  not  good."  How  many  parents  are  concerned  to  give  their 
children  a  good  education,  but  feel  no  anxiety  that  they  should 
be  acquainted  with  Him  whom  to  know  is  life  eternal !  Give 
them  knowledge  suited  to  their  age  and  capacities  ;  acquaint 
them  with  their  sin,  their  danger,  their  duty,  and  their  need  of 
a  Saviour. 

Without  fervent  prayer.  This  is  a  duty  too  much  neglected 
by  many  professing  parents;  pray  with  them  around  the 
family  altar,  and  for  them  in  your  secret  devotions.  Pray 
for  the  blessing  of  God  on  the  means  you  adopt  for  their 
good. 

Without  a  good  example.  How  many  undo  by  their  ex- 
ample what  they  effected  by  their  instructions  !  The  parents' 
example  is  a  living  lesson.  IIow  is  the  child  to  learn  the 
beauties  of  holiness,  when  he  beholds  in  his  parents  the  de- 
formity of  vice  ? 

Without  proper  restraint.  Instruction  must  be  followed 
with  prayer,  illustrated  by  example,  then  enforced  with  au- 
thority. The  happy  medium  must  be  followed,  between  too 
great  severity  on  the  one  hand,  and  too  great  laxity  on  the 
other.     What   punishment   Eli   brought  on  himself  and  his 


232  THE  SEED-TIMK  OF  SORROW. 

house,  "  because  his  sons   made  themselves  vile,  and  he  re- 
strained them  not !  " 

A  PAINFUL  CONSEQUENCE.  "  Bringeth  his  mother  to 
shame,"  and  his  father  too  sometimes.  This  is  the  case  with 
regard  to  the  conduct  of  the  child  —  he  may  choose  the  soci- 
ety of  the  gay,  licentious,  and  dissipated,  and  run  into  every 
excess  of  riot.  There  is  the  shame  of  conscious  weakness  in 
the  indulgence  of  the  child,  sometimes  the  shame  of  poverty 
and  reproach ;  and  not  unfrequently  the  vices  of  the  child 
plunge  the  parent  into  the  greatest  distress. 


AUGUST    1. 

THE  SEED-TIME  OF  SORROW. 

"  Tliey  that  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy."  —  Psalm  cxxri.  5. 

The  Scriptures  abound  with  allusions  to  husbandry  and 
the  arts  of  agriculture  ;  we  have  an  instance  before  us.  Let 
us  contemplate 

The  believer's  seed-time.     It  is  a  period  of  sorrow. 

Let  us  justify  the  metaphor.  In  what  respects  may  the 
Christian  be  compared  to  a  sower  ?  Here  is  the  idea  of  dil- 
igence ;  what  labor  is  required  in  the  preparation  of  the  soil 
before  the  seed  is  cast  into  it !  the  land  must  be  ploughed, 
manured,  and  cultivated,  or  there  can  be  no  expectation  of  a 
crop.  Will  not  this  apply  to  spiritual  things  ?  God  gives 
his  word,  sends  his  ministers,  visits  with  affliction,  and  pours 
out  his  Spirit,  that  the  fallow  ground  may  be  broken  up,  and 
the  heart  be  made  soft.  Ministers  must  be  diligent  m  their 
spiritual  husbandry ;  prudence  also  is  required.  Much  de- 
pends on  the  selection  of  a  pi'oper  season  for  sowing,  —  the 
wind  and  weather  must  be  watched.  And  have  not  Christ- 
ians need  of  prudence  ?  We  must  watch  our  seasons  for 
doing  good ;  our  zeal  is  likely  to  do  more  harm  than  good, 
unless  it  be  tempered  with  prudence.  There  must  be  confi- 
dence. The  husbandman  buries  the  grain  in  the  earth,  in 
hope  of  realizing  a  good  harvest ;  and  he  believes  this  will  be 
the  case,  according  to  the  connection  existing  between  causes 
and  effects.  The  Christian  sower  needs  hope.  What  is  it  that 
stimulates  him  in  duties  the  most  arduous,  and  supports  him 
amidst  difficulties  the  most  trying,  and  often  the  most  appall- 
ing ?  It  is  the  hope  of  success.  The  husbandman  requires 
patience  ;  he  must  wait  till  the  time  of  hai'vest  —  James  v. 


TUB    HARVEST    OF    JOY.  233 

7.     And  so  it  is  with  the  Christian ;  he  shall  reap  in  ''  due 
time." 

Let  us  explain  the  trnith.  This  will  lead  us  to  consider  the 
believer  as  a  soi'roAvful  sower  — "  They  that  sow  in  tears." 
The  first  seeds  are  sown  in  the  tears  of  repentance  ;  and 
how  often  does  he  exclaim  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  "  Lord,  I 
believe  ;  help  thou  my  unbelief!  "  Lavington  says,  some  of  the 
best  crops  have  been  produced  from  seed  sown  in  a  storm. 
Paul  speaks  of  "  serving  the  Lord  with  many  tears,"  and  he 
says  to  Timothy,  "  being  mindful  of  thy  tears."  How  often 
have  the  minister's  instructions  been  bedewed  with  his  tears ! 
The  mother  of  Augustine  is  said  to  have  planted  the  pre- 
cepts of  life  in  his  mind  by  her  words,  watered  them  with  her 
tears,  and  nourished  them  by  her  example.  How  delightful 
to  remember  that  the  seed-time  of  sorrow  shall  be  succeeded 
with  the  harvest  of  joy  ! 


AUGUST   2. 

THE   HARVEST  OF  JOY. 

"  They  that  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy."  —  Psalm  cxxvi.  5. 

Having  considered  the  seed-time  of  the  believer,  as  a  pe- 
riod of  sorrow,  let  us  now  contemplate 

The  believer's  harvest.  It  is  a  season  of  joy.  "We 
may  ask,  when,  where,  and  in  what  manner  shall  he  reap  ? 

On  earth  the  first  fruits  are  gathered.  The  harvest  is  ac- 
tually commenced  here.  There  is  a  rest  above,  but  we  who 
believe  do  enter  into  rest.  There  is  a  river  of  water  of  life, 
in  the  heavenly  paradise,  but  some  of  its  streams  flow  in  the 
Zion  below.  There  is  an  inheritance  beyond  the  skies,  but 
the  earnest  of  it  is  enjoyed  here.  There  is  a  glory  to  be  re- 
vealed, but 

"  The  men  of  prace  have  found 
Glory  beguu  below." 

There  is  a  general  harvest  (hat  shall  be  gathered  on  the 
celestial  plains,  but  a  few  sheaves  are  taken  even  here,  and 
waved  before  the  Lord. 

In  heaven  the  harvest  will  be  complete.  The  time  of  tlie 
gathering-in  of  the  harvest  is  one  of  mirth  and  hilarity  ;  then 
the  cares  and  anxieties  of  the  husbandman  cease  for  a  time, 
but  he  must  soon  begin  to  prepare  for  the  succeeding  year's 
crop.  But  with  regard  to  the  believer,  we  must  drop  the 
20* 


234  LOVE. 

metaphor ;  when  he  arrives  in  heaven,  and  shouts  the  harvest 
home,  there  shall  be  no  more  sowing,  no  more  weeping.  Oh ! 
what  joy  and  triumph  shall  be  felt  on  the  fields  of  the  heav- 
enly Canaan,  when  the  laborers  are  all  called  home,  and  in- 
vited to  an  immortal  rest ! 

"  The  harvest  shall  by  far  exceed 
What  we  have  sown  in  hope." 


AUGUST    3. 

LOVE. 

"  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love."  —  Gal.  t.  22. 

The  Apostle  places  before  us  the  wonderful  contrast  be- 
tween the  works  of  the  flesh  and  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit, 
Avhich  proves  to  us  the  excellence  of  religion.  The  heart  is 
not  the  seat  of  these  spiritual  depositions  by  nature  ;  the 
Spirit  must  dwell  in  us,  in  order  to  produce  this  lovely  train 
of  Christian  graces.  The  first  fruit  we  are  to  examine  is 
Love.     Observe 

The  objects  to  which  it  is  directed. 

GOD.  "  The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God ;  "  but 
love  to  him  is  a  distinguishing  mark  of  the  new  nature.  There 
must  be  new  principles  implanted  in  our  hearts,  ei'e  we  can 
love  a  God  of  infinite  purity,  trutli,  and  rectitude. 

Out  fellow  Christians.  If  our  love  to  God  is  genuine,  we 
shall  love  the  brotherhood —  1  John  iii.  14.  Hoav  important 
is  it  for  Christians  to  cultivate  this  spirit,  that,  instead  of  be- 
ing severed  from  each  other  by  hatred,  they  may  be  knit  to- 
gether in  love  ! 

Mankind  in  general.  We  are  bound  by  the  most  solemn 
ties  to  love  our  brethren  in  Christ,  but  it  must  not  be  confined 
Avi  thin  such  narrow  limits:  the  laws  of  nature,  as  well  as  of 
God,  bind  us  to  love  all. 

The  manner  in  which  it  is  displayed. 

In  genuine  devotedness.  If  we  are  sincere  in  our  profes- 
sions of  attachment  to  God,  we  shall  delight  in  pouring  out 
our  hearts  to  liira  in  prayer,  and  giving  up  ourselves  to  him 
in  self-dedication. 

In  cheerful  obedience.  This  is  the  Divine  test.  "  If  ye 
love  me,  keep  my  commandments."  If  his  Spirit  resides  in 
you,  all  his  commands  will  meet  your  ready  and  cheerful 
compliance. 

In  active  zeal.     That  zeal  that  can  rise  above  party  walls 


JOY.  235 

and  denominational  peculiarities,  like  the  sun  in  the  firma- 
ment, moving  onward  in  its  course,  and  giving  light  and  heat 
to  all  around  —  not  an  ostentatious  display,  but  an  unassum- 
ing, calm,  steady,  persevering  effort ;  well-tempered,  well- 
timed,  well-directed  ;  not  a  timid  feeling,  that  leads  us  to  act 
the  coward,  when  opposed ;  but  a  bold,  intrepid  spirit. 

In  Christian  sympathy.  We  are  to  bear  each  other's  bur- 
dens ;  and  to  serve  one  another  in  love.  There  must  be 
fidelity  as  well  as  feeling.  Love  will  not  expose  a  friend's 
faults  ;  but  it  will  lead  its  possessor  to  go  silently  and  secretly 
to  him,  and  admonish  and  reprove  him.  "  Faithful  are  the 
wounds  of  a  friend." 

In  universal  benevolence.  It  will  regard  the  moral  and 
spiritual  interests  of  all  mankind,  co-operate  in  all  plans  of 
usefulness,  and  aid  in  those  institutions  that  are  formed  for 
the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  diffusion  of  the  Gos- 
pel. Paul  gives  us  the  distinguishing  marks  and  features  of 
love  —  1  Cor.  xiii.  Christians,  let  us  lay  hold  on  the  golden 
chain  of  love,  that  it  may  unite  us  closer  to  each  othei',  and 
bind  us  all  to  God. 


AUGUST   4. 
JOY. 

•  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  joy."  —  Gal.  v.  22. 


Thk  worldling  contends  that  there  can  be  no  joy  apart 
from  that  which  is  derived  from  the  sources  of  pleasure  and 
amusement  furnished  by  the  world.  But  these  speak  evil  of 
the  things  they  know  not,  and  condemn  a  system  altogether, 
they  have  never  tried  in  part.  Let  us  consider  the  sources 
and  the  signs  of  this  joy. 

Its  sources.     The  Christian's  joy  arises  from 

The  providence  of  God.  And  we  might  say  his  very  being 
and  perfections.  His  providence  is  so  vast,  that  it  compre- 
hends the  loftiest  intelligences  he  has  created  ;  and  so  minute, 
that  it  includes  the  smallest  insect. 

The  mediation  of  Christ.  Were  it  not  for  this,  we  could 
not  approach  the  Divine  Being.  "  We  joy  in  God  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  The  Christian  rejoices  in  the 
atoning  sacrifice,  as  well  as  the  lovely  example  and  the  pre- 
vailing intercession  of  Christ. 


236  PEACE. 

The  injiuence  of  the  Spirit.  Without  this,  the  glories  and 
excellences  of  Christ  resemble  a  lovely  landscape,  without 
the  warmth,  genial  influence,  and  coloring  of  the  sun.  The 
Christian  rejoices  in  the  gracious  work  and  offices  of  the 
Spirit,  as  a  Convincer,  Instructor,  Comforter,  Advocate,  and 
Witness.     This  joy  is  termed  "joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost." 

The  anticipation  of  heaven.     While  the  believer  contem- 
plates with  pleasure  and  satisfaction  the  work  of  grace  being 
carried  on  in  his  heart,  he   rejoices  in  hope  of  the  glory  of 
G^d.     Contemplate  this  joy  in 
■\    Its  signs. 

It  is  enlivening.  It  insjoires  us  with  cheerfulness  and  holy 
mirth  ;  enlivens  us  in  duties,  devotional  exercises,  relative 
obligations,  and  trials.  It  is  like  a  golden  rainbow  in  the 
clouds,  and  as  a  float  to  the  net  to  keep  it  above  water.  It 
is  expanding.  It  enlarges  our  thoughts,  desires,  views,  and 
feelings.  It  has  no  room  to  range  in  a  heart  that  is  not 
opened  by  the  Spirit  of  God.  It  is  humbling.  While  the 
believer  knows  he  has  reason  to  rejoice  in  the  work  of  grace, 
he  never  forgets  he  has  enough  to  mourn  over  in  the  corrup- 
tions of  nature.  It  is  sanctifying.  It  sanctifies  the  temper, 
disposition,  and  affections.  Thus  it  is  a  holy  feeling,  and  can- 
not exist  in  an  unrenewed  heart.  It  is  generous.  The  pos- 
sessor of  it  does  not  wish  to  enjoy  it  alone.  His  language 
is,  "  Rejoice  with  me,  I  have  found  Christ." 


AUGUST   5. 

PEACE. 

"  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  peace."  —  Gal.  v.  22. 

The  Gospel  is  a  system  of  peace ;  God  is  the  author  of 
peace ;  Christ  is  the  Prince  of  peace,  and  "  the  fruit  of  the 
Spirit  is  peace."  Christians  are  the  sons  of  peace.  Three 
things  may  be  remarked  concei-ning  this  grace. 

What  it  includes. 

Peace  with  God.  Our  natural  state  is  one  of  enmity  with 
God,  and  alienation  from  him.  By  grace,  enmity  is  ex- 
changed for  love,  and  we  are  reconciled  to  him  by  the  blood 
of  Chi'ist. 

Peace  of  conscience.  This  is  the  immediate  effect  of  our 
peace  with  God.     While  the  heart  is  alienated  from   him, 


PEACE.  ,  237 

there  is  a  disturbance  within,  that  no  external  circumstances 
can  quell.  Everything  around  us  may  be  peaceful  and  tran- 
quil, like  the  summer  brook,  while  all  within  may  be  agitated 
and  perturbed,  like  tlie  troubled  sea. 

Peace  with  one  another.  A  friendly  and  peaceable  temper 
and  disposition  is  in  accordance  with  the  Gospel  we  profess, 
and  the  Master  we  serve. 

What  it  requires. 

Personal  sacrifice.  There  must  be  the  exercise  of  self- 
denial  and  forbearance.  A  self-willed,  obstinate  temper  is 
opposed  to  a  spirit  of  Christian  peace.  For  the  maintaining 
of  peace,  we  must  often  sacrifice  pride,  prejudice,  our  feelings 
and  comforts. 

Continual  watchfulness.  He  that  has  subdued  his  own 
spirit  is  a  greater  conqueror  than  Alexander  or  Ca3sar.  How 
many  brave  generals  have  made  the  most  illustrious  achieve- 
ments, conquered  nations,  and  subdued  kingdoms,  and  at  last 
have  had  an  enemy  within  they  could  not  overcome  ! 

Persevering  efforts.  Christians  are  not  only  called  on  to 
be  peace-seekers,  but  peace-makers.  We  should  be  ready 
with  the  still  water  of  Christian  love  and  charity  to  quench  tlie 
first  sparks  of  discord,  before  they  are  kindled  by  unholy 
breath  into  a  flame  of  unhallowed  fire.     "  Follow  peace." 

What  it  insures.  Many  privileges  are  connected  with 
it. 

It  is  associated  with  the  Divine  favor.  The  development 
of  such  a  disposition  is  an  evidence  of  our  spiritual  sonship. 
It  Avill  promote  our  individual  happiness.  There  is  a  delight- 
ful feeling  experienced  by  the  sons  of  peace,  which  the  child- 
ren of  discord  never  knew. 

It  will  secure  the  esteem  of  others.  Individuals  who  culti- 
vate such  a  godlike  disposition,  are  an  incalculable  blessing, 
both  to  the  church  and  the  world.  How  culpable  are  many 
professing  Christians,  who  display  a  spirit  quite  contrary  to 
that  of  their  Divine  IMaster,  who  was  meek  and  lowly  in  heart ; 
and  thus  dishonor  religion,  please  pie  enemy,  and  grieve  the 
Holy  Spirit  of  God ! 

"  Hail,  Source  of  light !  arise  and  shine  ; 
All  gloom  and  doubt  dispel ; 
Gi\'c  peace  and  joy,  for  we  are  thine  ; 
In  us  forever  dwell." 


238  LONG-SUFFERING. 

AUGUST    6. 

LONG-SUFFERING. 

"  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  long-siifferiug."  —  Gal.  v.  22. 

Eei.igion  not  only  alters  the  state  of  its  possessor,  but  pro- 
duces a  pleasing  change  in  his  disposition.  "  The  fruit  of  the 
Spirit  is  long-suffering."     Let  us  describe 

The  nature  of  this  Christian  grace.  We  may  view 
it  in  three  ways  :  — 

In  connection  with  the  dealings  of  God.  There  are  the 
mysteries  of  revelation.  How  many  things  here  are  beyond 
our  depth  !  —  we  must  exercise  patience  and  long-suffering, 
and  wait  for  the  period  when  every  difficulty  will  be  solved 
and  every  mystery  unravelled.  There  is  the  darkness  of  Prov- 
idence. Afflictions  are  as  the  shades  or  dark  ground  of  the 
picture,  which  tend  more  clearly  to  set  forth  the  bright  colors 
that  are  afterwards  put  on  ;  we  must  wait  for  the  finishing 
stroke,  the  last  touch  of  the  limner,  before  we  pronounce  our 
judgment. 

With  regard  to  the  conduct  of  men.  How  painful  and  try- 
ing is  it  to  witness  the  impiety  and  irreligion  of  the  wicked  ! 
We  must  also  bear  with  the  failings  of  good  men  ;  in  the  gar- 
den of  the  Church  the  weeds  of  corruption  are  mingled  with 
the  flowers  of  grace.  We  must  bear  one  another's  burdens, 
and  cultivate  a  forgiving  spirit. 

Li  reference  to  tfie  temptations  of  Satan.  In  what  a  vari- 
ety of  ways  does  he  assault  us  !  If  we  would  vanquish,  we 
must  be  long-suffering  :  —  "  Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth 
temptation." 

The  motives  which  should  excite  us  to  the  exer- 
cise OF  it. 

The  long-suffering  of  God.  Oh  !  what  a  pattern  have  we 
here  !  How  long  has  he  suffered  our  manners  in  the  wilder- 
ness, our  barrenness  under  the  means  of  grace,  and  our  ingrati- 
tude for  favors  received !  Let  us  be  followers  of  God  as  dear 
children. 

The  example  of  Christ,  liead  the  Gospel,  and  see  how  he 
bore  with  the  opposition  of  his  enemies,  and  the  failings  of  his 
friends.  What  patience  and  long-suffering  did  he  evince, 
under  the  most  trying  provocations  !     1  Peter  ii.  21  —  23. 

The  claims  of  religion.  Contemplate  the  genius  and  spirit 
of  Christianity.     It  requires  the  exercise  of  this  grace. 


GENTLENESS.  239 

The  pattern  of  believers.  We  have  many  striking  instances 
of  the  display  of  such  a  spirit.  Look  at  Joseph,  Moses,  Da- 
vid, Stephen,  Paul,  and  others,  mentioned  in  Holy  "Writ. 
Have  we  not  to  condemn  ourselves  for  our  forgetfulness  of 
his  grace  ?  Have  we  not  sometimes  brought  forth  the  bitter  , 
fruit  of  impatience,  instead  of  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit,  which  is 
lonK-suiFering  ? 


AUGUST   7. 

GENTLENESS. 

"  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  gentleness."  —  Gal.  t.  22. 

There  is  a  great  difference  between  gentleness  and  meek- 
ness. Meekness  is  a  passive  virtue,  and  con.=5ists  in  the  pa- 
tient endurance  of  injuries  ;  but  gentleness  is  an  active  grace, 
a  spiritual  disposition  of  the  mind.  It  is  a  true  remark,  that 
the  world  endeavors  to  counterfeit  this  grace  by  what  is 
termed  politeness ;  but  when  slights  or  insults  arise,  this 
worldly  gem  soon  discovers  its  worthless  composition,  while 
the  Gospel  jewel  brightens  by  attrition.     Let  us  consider 

The  evils  to  which  it  is  opposed.  To  a  spirit  of 
pride.  This  lovely  fruit  is  never  yielded  from  a  proud 
and  haughty  spirit.  It  is  not  the  product  of  an  unhumbled 
heart.  To  a  feeling  of  severity.  A  harsh,  severe,  and  censo- 
rious temper  is  more  allied  to  the  spirit  of  Satan  than  to  the 
spirit  of  Christ.  Thus  we  read  of  "  the  gentleness  of  Christ." 
To  the  rage  of  passion.  The  man  who  cannot  curb  his  pas- 
sion, and  restrain  and  govern  his  temper,  gives  no  proof  of 
his  religion  ;  for  "  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  gentleness." 

The  scenes  in  which  it  is  to  be  exercised..  Where 
are  you  called  upon  to  manifest  this  temper  ? 

In  your  families.  Circumstances  will  arise  here,  to  ruffle 
the  temper,  and  disturb  the  mind ;  but  we  must  be  gentle. 
"  Be  angry  and  sin  not." 

In  the  church.  How  lamentable  to  see  in  those  who  ought 
to  show  the  gentleness  of  a  lamb,  the  rage  of  a  lion  !  They 
have  not  so  learned  Clirist.  There  must  be  gentleness  in  our 
dealings  with  those  who  have  Avronged  us,  gentleness  in  our 
spheres  of  usefulness  and  exertion. 

In  your  intercourse  with  mankind  in  general.     Thus  we 


240  GOODNESS. 

are  to  be  patient  toward  all  men  ;  and  if  from  some  we  re- 
ceive railing  and  cursing,  -while  Ave  are  firm  and  faithful  in 
rebuking  them  for  their  sins,  let  us  be  gentle  and  tender  ;  and 
thus  show  that  it  is  not  them,  but  their  sins,  that  we  hate. 

The  manner  in  which  it  is  to  be  displayed. 

In  our  temper.  Many  Christians  neglect  to  watch  over  their 
inward  feelings  ;  and  the  dispositions  they  show  are  unbecom- 
ing and  unlovely :  let  us  breathe  gentleness. 

In  our  language.  If  the  mind  is  the  seat  of  gentleness,  the 
manners  will  be  the  vehicle,  and  the  lips  the  expression  of  it. 
The  words  are  not  always  in  accordance  with  the  feelings. 
There  may  be  the  look  of  kindness  in  the  eye,  and  the  expres- 
sion of  gentleness  on  the  lips,  while  there  is  the  spirit  of  en- 
mity in  the  heart. 

Ii  our  actions.  Thus  we  are  to  give  practical  proofs  of 
such  a  gentle  spirit ;  let  us  beware  of  indulging  in  a  contrary 
feeling.  Such  a  course  will  be  dishonorable  to  God,  discred- 
itable to  religion,  unpleasant  to  ourselves,  and  may  prove  a 
serious  injury  to  others. 


AUGUST   8. 

GOODNESS. 

"  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  goodness."  —  Gal.  t.  22. 

We  still  find  ourselves  in  the  garden  of  the  Lord,  under 
the  tree  of  grace,  admiring  the  verdure  of  its  leaves,  the  beauty 
of  its  blossoms,  and  the  rich  clusters  of  its  fruits.     Consider 

The  objects  to  which  this  grace  is  directed. 

The  relief  of  temporal  distress.  "  Goodness  "  shows  itself 
not  only  in  endeavoring  to  relieve  those  cases  that  come  under 
our  immediate  attention,  but  in  seeking  out  the  scenes  of  mis- 
ery and  hovels  of  wretchedness  that  would  otherwise  be  hid- 
den from  our  view. 

T/te  communicatian  of  spiritual  good.  What  means  and 
opportunities  have  we  for  this,  in  teaching  in  the  Sabbath 
School,  and  thus  being  the  instruments  of  imparting  moral  and 
spiritual  instruction  to  those  who  are  ignorant  and  out  of  the 
way ;  in  the  distribution  of  tracts,  and  other  methods  for  the 
diffusion  of  knowledge.  What  an  honor  to  be  the  means  of 
winning  souls  to  God,  to  Christ,  and  to  heaven  ! 


FAITH.  241 

The  properties  by  -vvnicn  it  13  distinguished. 

It  is  Divine  in  its  source.  This  fruit  is  the  product  of  a 
tree  that  does  not  grow  in  nature's  soil.  It  is  very  different 
from  that  good  nature  which  is  exercised  by  those  who  are 
not  the  subjects  of  grace.  God  is  angry  with  the  wii-ked 
every  day,  yet  he  suffers  his  sun  to  shine,  his  breeze  to  blow, 
and  his  rain  to  descend  on  them.  Pie  is  both  the  source  and 
pattern  of  all  true  benevolence. 

It  is  disinterested  in  its  nature.  The  pulse  of  Christian  phi- 
lanthropy beats  in  the  hearts  of  comparatively  few.  This  prin- 
ciple does  not  seek  a  recompense,  nor  court  applause ;  the 
pleasure  derived,  and  the  reward  received,  are  in  the  act  it- 
self, not  fi'om  the  expectation  of  any  advantage  to  be  obtained. 
True  benevolence  courts  secrecy,  instead  of  sounding  a  trum- 
pet. 

It  is  impartial  in  its  character.  It  is  not  to  be  exercised 
under  the  influence  of  caprice,  or  regulated  by  the  feelings  of 
prejudice.  It  does  not  refuse  objects  of  need,  because  they 
happen  to  belong  to  another  section  of  the  church  than  that 
■with  which  it  is  connected.  It  does  not  ask,  before  it  prof- 
fers its  aid,  what  sect  or  party  does  he  belong  to,  but  simply 
inquires  what  is  his  need. 

It  is  fersevering  in  its  exertions.  Resembling  not  the  light- 
ning's flash,  but  the  untiring  course  of  the  sun,  Eccles.  xi.  G. 
What  a  contrast  is  there  between  the  benevolent  Christian 
and  the  selfish  worldling !  The  one  grasps  the  world  in  the 
arms  of  his  benevolence,  the  other  has  all  his  thoughts  and 
desires  centered  in  himself. 


august  9. 
FAITH. 

"  Tlie  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  faith."  — Gal.  T.-22. 

The  term  faith,  as  used  in  Scripture,  has  several  accepta- 
tions. The  system  of  Christianity  is  designated  "the  faith." 
Faith  is  that  princii)le  by  which  we  are  justified  in  the  sight  of 
God,  as  we  are  enabled  to  believe  in  the  righteousness  of 
Christ.  In  the  passage  before  us,  we  are  led  to  view  the  opera- 
tion of  this  principle.  It  includes 
21 


242  MEEKNESS. 

Sincerity  of  heart.  The  tree  must  first  be  made  good, 
or  we  cannot  expect  that  the  fruit  should  be  so.  Sincerity  is 
the  very  soul  of  religion,  and  the  seat  of  godliness  is  in  the 
heart.  All  our  religious  professions  and  performances  will  be 
unavailing  if  we  are  insincere. 

"  For  God  abhors  the  saci-ifice 
Whei'e  not  the  heart  is  found." 

Truth  in  language.  This  requirement  is  binding  on  us 
as  men,  but  especially  as  Christians ;  and  it  is  violated  by  lying, 
prevarication,  and  exaggeration.  There  is  no  knowing  to 
what  awful  lengths  an  individual  will  run  when  he  once  for- 
sakes the  standard  of  truth,  and  thinks  lightly  of  a  falsehood. 

Integrity  of  conduct.  We  must  be  just  and  honorable 
in  our  dealings  with  mankind.  Every  representation  we  make 
must  be  correct  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge,  and  every  prom- 
ise fulfilled  to  the  fullest  extent  of  our  ability  and  means. 
There  must  be  a  diligent  and  conscientious  discharge  of  the 
various  duties  incumbent  on  us  in  the  different  stations  in 
which  Divine  Providence  has  placed  us  ;  there  are  sacred  and 
social  obligations,  there  are  also  talents  with  which  God  has 
intrusted  some,  such  as  genius,  station,  talent,  wealth,  and 
time.  Let  us  think  sei'iously  of  the  period  when  the  season 
of  our  probation  shall  terminate,  and  our  final  account  must 
be  rendered  to  our  Judg-e. 


AUGUST   10. 
MEEKNESS. 

"  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  meekness."  —  Gal.  v.  23. 

Believers  are  to  resemble  the  serpent  in  wisdom,  the  dove 
in  harmlessness,  the  lion  in  boldness,  the  eagle  in  swiftness 
and  elevation,  and  the  lamb  in  meekness.  There  are  three 
kinds  of  meekness  :  one  is  the  gift  of  nature,  the  other  is  the 
effect  of  cultivation,  and  the  third  is  the  product  of  grace. 
"  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  meekness."     Let  us  contemplate 

Its  nature.  In  what  does  it  consist  ?  In  low  views  of 
onrselves.  The  breath  of  pride  would  be  like  a  thick  incrus- 
tation to  the  diamond  of  meekness,  which  must  be  rubbed  off 
before  it  would  shine  in  its  native  splendor.     In  a  cheerful 


MEEKNESS.  243 

resignation  to  the  Divine  will.  Christian  meekness  shows  it- 
self in  bowing  with  submission  under  trying  disjoensations, 
like  the  bending  reed  beneath  the  storm.  In  the  patient  en- 
durance of  injuries.  It  is  not  easily  provoked.  Ilenry  ob- 
serves, "  Where  the  fire  of  love  is  kept  in,  the  flames  of  wrath 
will  not  easily  kindle,  nor  long  keep  burning."  Meekness 
would  rather  forgive  tAven-'y  injuries  than  resent  one. 

Its  exercise.  There  are  many  scenes  in  Avhich  it  is  to 
be  displayed,  but  more  particularly 

In  xoithstanding  opposition.  With  this  we  must  lay  our 
account,  and  our  object  should  be  to  show  a  meek  spirit,  heap- 
ing coals  of  fire  on  the  heads  of  our  enemies,  to  melt  and 
soften  them  down. 

In  restoring  the  offender.  "  Brethren,  if  a  man  be  over- 
taken in  a  fault,  ye  which  are  spiritual,  restoi-e  such  an  one." 
But  how  ?  In  a  cross,  unkind,  and  severe  manner  ?  In  a 
harsh  and  petulant  temper  ?  No,  "  in  a  spirit  of  meekness." 
In  defending  the  truth.  "  In  meekness  instructing  those 
that  oppose  themselves."  When  sincere  inquiries  are  made 
respecting  your  principles  and  experience,  show  the  same 
spirit.  "  Be  ready  always  to  give  an  answer  to  every  man 
that  asketh  you  a  reason  of  the  hope  that  is  in  you,  with 
meekness  and  fear." 

Its  advantages.  The  meek  shall  \>q  divinely  guided ; 
led  in  a  right  way,  in  a  wise  manner,  and  to  a  glorious  end ; 
"  for  the  meek  will  he  teach  his  way."  They  shall  be  didy 
exalted;  "  for  the  Lord  lifteth  up  the  meek."  They  shall  be 
greatly  endowed  ;  for  "  the  meek  shall  inherit  the  earth,"  and 
heaven  too.  They  shall  be  richly  adorned;  for  "  the  meek 
will  he  beautify  with  salvation."  This  is  the  ornamental  part 
of  the  Christian's  dress  ;  he  must  wear  it  if  he  puts  on  Christ, 
for  he  is  meek  and  lowly  iu  heart.  Blessed  God,  let  me  have 
access  to  the  wardrobe  of  grace,  and  with  the  key  of  prayer, 
turned  by  the  hand  of  faith,  unlock  its  treasures,  and  find 
the  robe  of  righteousness,  the  garments  of  salvation,  the  cloth- 
ing of  humility,  and  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit ! 

"  Thine  iiTward  teachings  make  me  know 
Tlie  wonders  of  redeeming  love, 
Tlie  vanitj'  of  things  below, 
And  excellence  of  things  above." 


244  TEMPERANCE. 

AUGUST    11. 

TEMPERANCE. 

"  The  fniit  of  the  Spirit  is  temperance."  —  Gal.  t.  23. 

"  Let  us  who  are  of  the  day  be  sober."  Sobriety  here  is 
of  extensive  latitude.  It  includes  not  only  freedom  from  ex- 
cess of  drinking,  but  moderation  in  all  things.  In  this  sense 
the  word  temperance  is  used  in  our  text.  It  is  opposed  to  all 
excess  of  self-indulgence,  to  all  excess  of  abstinence  and  self- 
denial,  and  to  all  excess  of  mental  excitement. 

The  objects  to  which  it  refers.  It  must  influence 
us 

In  all  our  temporal  enjoyments.  There  are  many  pleasures 
and  recreations,  lawful  and  innocent  in  themselves,  but  which 
become  sinful  by  our  intemperate  use  of  them.  Christians, 
"  let  your  moderation  be  known  unto  all  men." 

In  all  our  worldly  expectations.  Ambition  in  divine  things 
is  laudable,  and  covetousness  for  the  best  gifts  is  enjoined  ; 
but,  with  regard  to  this  world,  our  desires  and  expectations 
are  to  be  limited.  There  are  some  whose  souls  seem  too 
large  for  their  bodies,  and  too  lofty  for  their  circumstances ; 
they  will  not  learn  the  lesson  of  contentment. 

In  all  our  earthly  attachments.  There  are  many  idol  tem- 
ples erected  in  the  heart  before  conversion  ;  but  grace  over- 
throws them,  and  then  the  heart  itself  becomes  a  temple 
dedicated  to  Jehovah's  praise  and  glory.  Love  to  the  crea- 
ture is  not  forbidden,  but  it  must  always  be  in  subserviency  to 
the  love  of  God. 

The  arguments  by  ayhich  it  may  be  enforced. 

Our  personal  comfort.  How  often  are  we  called  to  witness 
the  painful  effects  of  intemperance !  But  there  is  an  inward 
pleasure  and  satisfaction  to  the  mind,  arising  from  the  culti- 
vation of  this  Christian  grace :  it  is  a  pleasant  fruit. 

Our  religious  profession.  Consistency  to  the  principles  we 
have  embraced  demands  it.  If  Christians  go  to  the  same  ex- 
cess as  the  worldling  in  unlawful  indulgences,  it  may  well  be 
said  to  them,  "  What  do  ye  more  than  others  ?  " 

Our  eternal  destination.  Shall  those  who  are  destined  to 
soar  in  the  regions  of  bliss,  grovel  in  the  dust  of  worldly  en- 
joyments ?  You  are  looking  for  a  never-fading  crown  ;  how 
unreasonable  that  you  should  be  pleased  with  a  gaudy  toy  ! 


STRONG    FAITH.  215 

AUGUST    12. 

STRONG   FAITH. 

"  Though  he  slay  me,  j-ct  will  I  trust  in  liini."  —  Job  xiii.  15. 

Faitu  is  an  invaluable  grace  —  it  is  justly  represented  as 
the  spring  that  sets  all  the  golden  wheels  of  love,  comfort,  and 
peace,  in  motion  ;  hke  the  bee,  it  sucks  sweetness  out  of  every 
flower ;  it  discerns  a  rainbow  in  the  storm,  and  sees  the  sun 
behind  the  darkest  cloud.  "We  have  heard  of  the  patience  of 
Job,  whose  language  we  are  now  to  consider.     We  have  here 

An  extreme  case  supposed.  '•  Though  he  slay  me." 
In  what  respects  may  God  be  said  to  do  this? 

Whe7i  lie  visits  ivith  severe  affiiction.  How  often  are  his 
dispensations  towards  us  enveloped  in  darkness  !  and  Avhere 
we  expected  to  pluck  the  rose  of  comfort,  we  are  pricked 
with  the  thorn  of  sorrow. 

When  he  withholds  Divine  comforts.  These  ai*e  trying 
seasons  to  the  Christian,  in  which  he  exclaims,  "  Oh  that  I 
knew  where  I  might  tind  him  !" 

}Yhen  he  depi'ives  us  of  endeared  connections.  How  many 
have  to  mourn  with  David,  "  Lover  and  I'riend  hast  thou  put 
far  fi'om  me,  and  mine  acquaintance  into  darkness."  With 
them  how  many  of  our  fond  hopes  and  expectations  are  blight- 
ed and  slain  ? 

When  he  brings  us  to  death  itself.  The  period,  manner,  and 
circumstances  of  our  dissolution  are  all  under  his  sovereign 
control.     Our  times  are  in  his  hand. 

The  entire  confidence  exprkssed.  "Yet  will  I  trust 
in  him."  This  is  not  a  presumptuous  or  vain  hope,  but  a 
well-grounded  confidence.  It  is  fully  justified,  and  happy  are 
they  who  can  exercise  it.  In  doing  it  you  have  a  four-fold 
warrant : —  7'he  faithfulness  of  his  character  ;  for  "  he  is  not 
a  man,  that  he  should  lie :"  —  The  death  of  his  Son  ;  by  this 
the  everlasting  covenant  is  ratified  :  —  2 he  promises  of  his 
word;  these  are  your  rod  and  staff  to  lean  upon: — The  ex- 
^  perience  of  his  people  ;  "  Our  fluhers  trusted  him,  and  they 
were  not  ashamed."  Let  us  follow  the  track  w  hich  they  pur- 
sued, and  avail  ourselves  of  the  way-marks  of  experience 
they  have  erected.  Lord,  show  me  the  footsteps  of  thy  flock  ; 
and  where  I  cannot  trace  thy  way,  help  me  to  trust  tliy  wi.-^- 
duni. 

21* 


246  THE    LAUDABLE    TUKSDIT. 

AUGUST    13. 

THE  LAUDABLE  PURSUIT. 

"  Let  us  therefore  follow  after  the  things  vrhich  make  for  peace,  and  things  where- 
with one  may  edify  another."  —  Rom.  xiv.  9. 

In  tliis  chapter,  Paul  enjoins  a  proper  regard  to  the  essen- 
tials of  Christianity,  but  forbids  that  rigid  particularity  in 
things  indifferent,  which  some  of  the  Christians  at  Rome  seem 
to  have  observed.  The  counsel  he  gives  is  suitable  to  be- 
lievers in  every  age.     Contemplate 

The  Christian  duties  recommended. 

Peace.  What  are  the  things  that  make  for  peace?  A 
spirit  of  humility.  Pride  is  an  enemy  to  peace,  but  humili- 
ty befriends  it.  A  spirit  of  candor.  This  makes  for  peace, 
while  a  censorious  temper  breeds  discord.  Be  liberal  in 
your  opinions  of  those  who  may  differ  from  you.  Act  accord- 
ing to  the  convictions  of  your  own  mind,  and  allow  others  to 
do  the  same.  Who  made  you  an  infallible  judge  ?  A  spirit 
of  love.  Love  the  saints,  not  only  as  they  are  of  the  human 
family,  according  to  the  law  of  nature,  but  as  they  are  of  the 
household  of  faith,  according  to  the  rules  of  grace.  A  spirit 
of  forgiveness.  Imitate  the  example  of  Him  whose  life  was 
a  perfect  standard  of  moral  excellence. 

Mutual  edification.  "  And  things  wherewith  one  may  edi- 
fy another."  We  are  to  be  concerned,  not  only  for  our  own 
edification,  improvement,  and  progress  in  divine  things,  but 
that  of  others.  What  are  the  things  tliat  tend  to  mutual  edi- 
fication ?  Christian  conversation,  a  holy  example,  social 
prayer,  and  kind  reproofs.  These  things  are  to  be  followed, 
pursued  eagerly,  which  implies  the  existence  of  difficulty  and 
the  requirement  of  diligence. 

The  motives  which  should  influence  to  the  per- 
formance OF  THEM.     By  such  a  course  you  will 

Maintain  your  Christian  consistency.  It  is  demanded  of 
you,  as  those  who  have  come  out  of  the  world,  and  entered 
the  church.     By  it  you  will 

Realize  mutual  Uessings.  If  these  two  duties  are  not  fol- 
lowed, there  can  be  no  prosperity  of  soul,  no  internal  peace 
and  satisfaction.     It  will 

Secure  the  Divine  apptroval.  "  His  favor  is  life."  God 
smiles  on  such  a  state  of  things.  Let  parents,  heads  of  fam- 
ilies, and  all,  seek  these  things,  and  follow  them.  The  text 
refers  to  all.  None  are  so  strong  but  may  be  edified,  none  so 
weak  but  may  edify. 


EEMEMBRANCE    OF    PAST   EXPERIENCE.  247 

AUGUST    14. 

THE    CHRISTIAN'S    REMEMBRANCE    OF    PAST 
EXPERIENCE. 

"Omy  soul  I  thou  hast  said  unto  the  Lord,  Thou  art  my  Lord."  —  Psahn  xvi.  2. 

ExPERiMKNTAL  religion  is  a  gem  of  incalculable  worth ; 
no  artificial  ornaments  of  external  knowledge  will  compensate 
for  the  want  of  it.  In  the  commencement  of  this  Psalm  we 
have  David's  retrospect  of  past  experience  ;  in  the  conclusion 
of  it,  his  anticipations  of  future  glory. 

The  SOLEMN  act  referred  to.  It  is  the  act  of  pcx*- 
sonal  dedication  to  God.  Note  here,  The  renunciation  im- 
plied. When  the  soul  is  consecrated  to  God,  the  service  of 
other  masters  is  cast  off.  "  Other  lords  besides  thee  have  had 
dominion  over  us  ;  but  by  thee  only  will  we  make  mention  of 
thy  name."  The  covenant  made.  Every  Christian  has  en- 
tered into  a  solemn  engagement  to  give  himself  up  to  God  for 
life  and  death.  The  portion  claimed.  "■  Thou  art  my  Loi-d." 
The  word  Adonai  signifies,  INIy  stayer.  God  is  the  only  stay 
and  support  of  the  soul.  The  sinccriti/  evinced.  "  0  my 
soul,"  &c.  Dedication  to  God  is  an  act  of  the  soul.  But  when 
is  it  expressed  ?  In  conversion  it  is  first  done,  but  is  repeat- 
ed in  after  seasons  —  at  the  throne  of  grace  —  in  the  sanctu- 
ary', before  his  peo2)le  —  at  the  sacramental  table.  This  self- 
dedication  to  God  is  the  most  important  act  in  our  lives. 

The  bexeficial  effects  avhich  a  remembrance  of 
IT  AviLL  PRODUCE.  In  resisti)iff  temptation.  When  we  ai'e 
tempted  to  turn  aside  from  the  right  way,  a  remembrance  of 
the  vows  we  have  made  to  live  to  God,  will  lead  us  to  resist 
the  enemy.  In  enduring  ajjliction.  When  all  is  dark  around, 
and  we  are  sorely  tried,  let  us  remember  whose  we  are,  and 
AvhouTi  we  serve.  Our  God  is  aide  to  deliver  us.  In  the  time 
of  desertion.  Believers  are  sometimes  under  the  hidings  of 
God's  face  ;  a  remembrance  of  past  experience,  and  relief 
derived,  will  cheer  them  in  soul  distress.  In  the  anticipation 
of  death.  Think  then  of  the  personal  surrender  you  have 
made,  and  comfort  yourselves  with  the  firm  belief  of  his 
faithfulness.  If  you  have  lived  to  him,  you  shall  die  in  him. 
It  concerns  me  to  know  whclhcr  I  have  said  unto  the  Lord, 
Thou  art  niv  T.oid. 


248  THE    DIVINE   AND    NEW   NATURE. 

AUGUST    15. 

THE  DIVINE  AND  NEW  NATURE. 

"  Partakers  of  the  Divine  nature."  —  2  Pet.  i.  4. 

Here  is  the  golden  link  of  union  between  God  and  hi.^ 
people,  the  mysterious  ladder  by  which  we  ascend  to  him,  the 
spiritual  transformation  by  which  we  are  made  like  him.  Let 
us 

Offer  some  cautions  against  the  misapprehension 
OF  this  passage.  The  Divine  nature  believers  are  here 
said  to  be  partakers  of,  is  not  a  participation  of  the  Divine 
essence,  for  this  is  incommunicable  to  any  creature ;  nor 
is  it  a  personal  union  with  the  Divine  nature,  as  the 
human  nature  of  Christ.  It  is  the  Divine  impression  of 
God's  holy  image  on  the  soul,  or  a  holy  principle  infused 
into  it.  There  are  excellences  in  the  ncio  nature  which 
ivould  be  imperfections  in  God.  Reverence,  fear,  humility, 
faith,  and  obedience,  are  virtues  in  a  reasonable  being ;  but 
they  cannot  belong  to  the  Divine  nature  of  God.  There  are 
"perfections  in  God  which  bear  no  resemblance  to  the  new  na- 
ture. To  affect  a  resemblance  of  God  in  some  of  his  perfec- 
tions, such  as  independence,  supremacy,  omniscience,  and 
other  attributes,  would  display  the  greatest  arrogance.  Though 
Christians  are  partakers  of  the  Divine  nature,  yet  there  is  a 
great  disproportion  between  the  original  and  the  transcript. 
The  image  of  God  is  very  imperfect  in  the  best  Christians  in 
the  present  state.  There  is  a  vast  difference  between  the  ho- 
liness of  God  and  that  of  holy  angels  and  glorified  saints. 
This  difference  is  expressed  by  bold  figures.  "  He  charged 
his  angels  with  folly."  Not  that  there  is  impurity  in  heaven ; 
but  God  is  holy  in  a  more  perfect  sense  than  over  any  crea- 
ture can  be.  He  is  necessarily  and  essentially  so.  Saints 
and  angels  are  perfectly  holy,  yet  their  holiness  flows  not 
from  a  necessity  of  nature,  as  God's  does,  but  from  the  will 
and  grace  of  the  Divine  Being.  The  assuming  of  a  neio 
name  is  verg  different  from  partaking  of  the  Divine  nature. 
Christianity  would  have  been  a  poor  system,  and  not  worthy 
the  solemn  credentials  with  which  God  introduced  it  into  the 
world,  if  all  its  intention  had  been  to  separate  a  people  from 
others  by  a  new  name.  "  He  is  not  a  Jew  which  is  one  out- 
wardly," Rom.  ii.  28,  29.  Many  are  possessed  of  good  natural 
qualities,  who  are  not  partakers  of  the  Divine  nature.     Some 


Tnii   NATURE    OP   THE    DIVINE    PARTICIPATION.      249 

oF  the  heathen  philosophers  were  so  remarkable  for  their  ami- 
able and  good  dispositions,  that  hardly  any  provocation  from 
friend  or  foe  could  ruHle  their  spirit.  The  natural  disposition 
may  be  soft  and  winning,  while  the  heart  is  hardened  in  sin, 
and  alienated  from  the  life  of  God.  What  will  the  name  and 
espousal  of  Christianity  avail,  without  the  spirit  and  nature 
of  Christ? 


AUGUST   16. 

THE    NATURE    OF   THE   DIVINE   PARTICIPA- 
TION. 

"  Partakers  of  the  DiTine  nature."  — 2  Pet.  i.  4. 

This  refers  to  believers,  and  furnishes  us  with  a  short  but 
interesting  description  of  them.     Let  us 

Present  some  remarks  for  the  right  understand- 
ing OF  THIS  PASSAGE.  Why  is  this  new  principle  Called  a 
Divine  nature  ?  First,  because  it  is  derived  from  God.  Sec- 
ondly, because  it  leads  to  God.  Thirdly,  because  it  makes  us 
like  God.     In  what  respects  is  the  new  nature  like  God  ? 

As  it  is  a  living  principle.  The  meanest  insect  in  respect 
of  its  life  is  more  excellent  than  the  sun  in  the  heavens.  "  A 
living  dog  is  better  than  a  dead  lion."  IIow  much  better,  then, 
is  a  living  saint  than  a  dead  sinner ! 

As  it  is  a  spiritual  jjrinciple.  "  That  which  is  born  of  the 
Spirit  is  spirit."  It  is  so  called  in  opposition  to  corrupt  na- 
ture, which  is  styled  flesh,  because  it  has  a  spiritual  discern- 
ment, delights  in  spiritual  duties,  and  in  the  contemplation  of 
spiritual  objects. 

As  it  is  an  active  principle.  God  is  an  active  Being  ;  hence 
we  I'cad  that  he  never  shiml)ers  nor  sleeps.  As  soon  as  the 
new  nature  is  implanted  in  the  soul,  it  exerts  itself  in  acts  of 
faith,  hope,  love,  and  joy,  inwardly  in  the  heart ;  and  out- 
wardly in  tlie  life,  by  an  obedience  to  God's  commands  and 
ordinances. 

As  it  is  a  loving  principle.  "  God  is  love,"  and  the  chief 
ingredient  in  the  new  nature  is  love :  love  to  God,  because  of 
his  glorious  perfections  and  works  ;  love  to  the  saints,  as  they 
bear  the  Divine  image ;  and  love  to  our  enemies,  in  compli- 
ance with  the  command  of  Christ. 


250         THE    EVIDENCES    OF   DIVINE  PARTICIPATION. 

As  it  is  an  immortal  principle.  "  Whatsoever  is  born  of 
God  doth  not  commit  sin,  for  his  seed  remaineth  in  him  ;"  that 
is,  the  principle  of  the  new  natui'e  remains.  In  the  want  of 
assurance.  Christians  may  lose  the  beauty,  sweetness,  and  fra- 
grancy  of  the  flowers  of  grace  ;  but  not  the  seeds  and  root  of 
the  heavenly  principle. 

As  it  is  an  enUghteninff  priMciple.  The  Christian  is  re- 
newed in  knowledge,  after  the  image  of  him  that  created  him. 
The  new  creation,  as  well  as  the  old,  begins  with  light. 
Without  light  in  the  mind,  there  can  be  no  grace  in  the  heart, 
peace  in  the  conscience,  joy  in  the  soul,  or  holiness  in  the  life. 
God  is  light,  and  believers  are  the  children  of  light. 

As  it  is  a  holy  principle.  God  is  glorious  in  holiness,  and 
believers  are  assimilated  to  the  Divine  likeness  in  moral  pu- 
rity. 


AUGUST    17, 

THE    EVIDENCES    OF    THE    DIVINE    PARTICI- 
PATION. 

"Partakers  of  the  Dmne  nature." — 2  Pet.  i.  4. 

Having  adverted  to  the  nature,  it  will  be  proper  to 
Inquire  into  the  evidences  of  such  a  change.  Try 
yourselves  by  the  following  tests.  If  you  are  partakers  of 
the  Divine  nature,  you  ivilllove  the  Divine  Being.  The  more 
you  increase  in  your  resemblance  to  God,  the  greater  will  be 
your  love  to  him,  and  you  will  show  it  in  many  ways ;  he 
will  be  the  joy  of  your  hearts,  the  subject  of  your  thoughts, 
and  the  theme  of  your  conversation.  Ton  will  imitate  the 
Divine  perfections.  David  says,  "  I  have  set  the  Lord  al- 
ways before  me,"  that  is,  as  my  pattern.  We  are  to  endeavor, 
after  a  resemblance  to  his  moral  perfections,  to  be  holy  and 
merciful.  You  will  obey  the  Divine  precepts.  Instead  of 
looking  on  the  law  of  God  as  an  iron  chain  to  fetter  you, 
you  will  regard  it  as  a  golden  chain  to  adorn  you ;  will  see 
your  privilege  in  your  duty,  and  cry  with  David,  "  Thy 
statutes  have  been  my  songs  in  the  house  of  my  pilgrim- 
age." Tou  will  he  concerned  for  the  Divine  glory.  Iden- 
tifying yourself  with  the  cause  of  God,  you  will  seek  its 
promotion  and  increase  in  every  possible  way,  and  pray  that 
his  "  way  may  be  known  upon  earth,  his  saving  health  among 


LIGHT    IN    DARKNESS.  251 

all  nations."  You  will  be  anxious  for  Divine  manifesta- 
tions. These  sweet  discoveries  in  faith's  estimation  will  be 
as  promissory  notes  from  the  bank  of  heaven ;  the  earnest  of 
the  full  payment  —  as  the  sudden  opening  of  the  heavens, 
and  the  letting  down  of  a  stream  of  light,  which  gilds  the 
darkest  cloud  beneath.  You  will  love  the  Divine  family. 
You  will  feel  interested  in  all  the  saints,  as  they  are  partakers 
of  the  same  Divine  nature,  and  bear  the  likeness  of  your 
Father. 

Consider  the  necessity  of  this  Divine  resem- 
blance. Without  it  your  services  are  an  abomination  to 
God  ;  your  pretensions  to  piety  are  vain  ;  you  cannot  enjoy 
communion  with  God  ;  you  will  be  excluded  from  heaven. 
As  we  have  borne  the  image  of  the  earthly,  may  we  also  bear 
the  image  of  the  heavenly  ! 


AUGUST    18. 

LIGHT  IN  DARKNESS. 

"  When  I  sit  In  darkness,  the  Lord  shall  be  a  light  unto  me."'  — Micah  vii.  8. 

Here  is  faith's  bright  picture  sketched  on  the  dark  ground 
of  trouble,  wherein  the  beautiful  colors  of  Christian  assu- 
rance are  brouglit  out  to  view.  The  passage  will  apply  to  the 
experience  of  the  believer.     Notice 

A  DisTRicssiNG  PERIOD.  "  When  I  sit  in  darkness."  All 
the  ungodly  are  in  darkness,  but  the  children  of  light  are 
sometimes  called  to  walk  in  darkness.  When  is  this  the  case  ? 
There  is  the  darkness  of  worldly  trials.  There  are  many 
painful  seasons  arising  from  our  connection  with  the  world  ; 
tlie  anxiety  of  business,  losses  in  trade,  and  a  tliousand  other 
sources.  Providential  bereavements.  How  often  is  the  do- 
mestic circle  broken  into  by  the  relentless  hand  of  death ! 
When  this  is  the  case,  we  may  be  said  to  sit  in  darkness. 
3/ental  disquietude.  The  Christian  sometimes  witnesses  the 
dai'k  season  of  desertion.  God  hides  his  face,  and  withholds 
the  influences  of  his  Spirit ;  and  he  cries  in  sorrow  and  an- 
guish of  soul,  "  Oh  that  I  knew  where  I  might  find  him !" 

A  DELIGHTFUL  PROMISE.  The  Lord  shall  be  a  light 
unto  me."  The  believer's  firmament  is  never  so  dark  but 
there  are  some  rays  of  hope.  The  relief  the  Christian  antici- 
pates is  suitable  in  its  nature.     God  is  a  light  unto  us  in  our 


2*2  WAITIMG    FOR    GOD  S    SALVATION. 

seasons  of  darkness,  by  comforting  us  in  tliem,  and  assuring 
us  of  his  gracious  designs,  and  a  liappy  issue.  His  word,  his 
Spirit,  and  his  gi'ace,  are  a  light  unto  us ;  a  light  to  direct,  re- 
vive, and  animate.  Personal  in  its  application.  "  To  me." 
What  benefit  is  it  to  us,  to  know  that  he  is  a  light  to  others 
if  he  is  not  to  us  ?  Certain  in  its  realization.  "  The  Lord 
shall  be  a  light  unto  me."  We  are  assured  of  it  from  what 
God  is,  what  he  has  said,  and  what  he  has  done.  Let  us  ex- 
ercise confidence  in  the  Father  of  lights,  and  live  in  the  an- 
ticipation of  that  world,  concerning  which  it  is  said,  "  There 
shall  be  no  night  there." 


AUGUST    19. 

WAITING  FOR  GOD'S  SALVATION. 

"  It  is  good  that  a  man  should  both  hope  and  quietly  wait  for  the  salvation  of  the 
Lord."  —  Lam.  iii.  26. 

Jeremiah  wrote  this  book  under  peculiar  circumstances  ; 
in  it  he  bewails  the  low  and  depressed  state  of  the  Church, 
and  the  destruction  of  Judah  and  Jerusalem  by  the  Chaldeaft 
army.     In  this  passage  we  have  three  things  :  — 

The  object  of  pursuit.  "  The  salvation  of  the 
Lord."  This  expression  as  used  in  Scripture  sometimes  al- 
ludes to  temporal  deliverances,  but  is  mostly  employed  in  a 
higher  sense,  to  denote  the  salvation  of  the  soul.  This  is 
an  object  worthy  the  pursuit  of  a  rational,  accountable,  and 
immortal  being.     Notice 

Its  nature.  "  Salvation."  It  includes  every  thing  that  is 
adapted  to  the  condition  and  I'equirements  of  man,  that  can 
possibly  conduce  tohis  happiness,  —  pardon,  peace,  acceptance 
with  God,  conformity  to  the  Divine  image,  and  a  full  and  final 
possession  of  everlasting  glory. 

Its  source.  "  Of  the  Lord."  It  is  the  salvation  of  man  as 
he  is  the  subject  of  it,  and  of  God  as  he  is  the  author  and 
source  of  it.  He  announces  it  in  his  word,  reveals  it  by  his 
Spirit,  and  imparts  it  by  his  grace. 

The  exercise  required.  "  Hope  and  quietly  wait." 
It  is  two-fold.  Confident  expectation.  It  is  not  a  vain  hope 
through  merit,  but  a  good  hope  through  grace  that  inspires 
the  Christian.  It  is  a  well-grounded  liope,  and  one  that  will 
not  make  ashamed.     Patient  loaiting.     To  wait  quietly  is  not 


THE    MOKTALITY    OF    THE    BODY.  2o3 

to  wait  in  idleness,  but  in  the  pursuit  of  various  duties.  Sim- 
eon served  God  in  the  temple,  while  he  waited  for  the  conso- 
lation of  Israel.  Job  exclaimed,  "  All  the  da}'s  of  my  ap- 
pointed time  will  I  wait  till  my  change  come." 

The  benefit  realized.  "  It  is  good."  It  is  so  in 
man}'  respects.  Because  it  tends  to  God's  glory.  We  dis- 
honor God  when  we  are  impatient,  either  in  the  endurance  of 
trials,  or  in  waiting  for  mercies.  Because  it  gives  compo- 
sure of  mind.  Impatience  puts  a  man  out  of  the  possession 
of  himself.  Therefore  our  Lord  says,  "  In  patience  possess 
ye  your  souls."  Because  it  insjnres  us  with  courage.  It 
enables  us  to  meet  trials,  encounter  difRculties,  and  engage  in 
duties  with  Christian  fortitude.  Because  it  toill  issue  in  end- 
less haj)piness.  "We  shall  not  hope  and  wait  in  vain.  The 
accomplishment  of  his  purposes  and  promises  is  certain.  This 
affords  every  encouragement  to  the  sincere  inquirer  after  sal- 
vation, and  gives  the  strongest  consolation  to  the  tried  Chris- 
tian. 


AUGUST   20. 
THE   MORTALITY   OF   THE   BODY. 

"  Then  sh.-ill  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was  ;  and  the  sjiirit  shall  return  unto 
God  who  gave  it." — Eccles.  xii.  7. 

This  chapter  contains  a  touching  and  affecting  account,  in 
figurative  language,  of  the  infirmities  of  old  age  ;  and  the 
young  are  entreated,  from  the  consideration  of  these  accumu- 
lated evils,  to  seek  religion  at  once,  before  the  intellectual 
faculties  begin  to  be  impaired,  and  the  animal  economy  is 
broken  up.  What  a  world  of  wonders  is  man  !  To  adopt  the 
language  of  Henry,  "  a  ray  of  heaven  is  united  to  a  clod  of 
earth."  The  words  before  us  lead  us  to  the  contemplation  of 
man,  both  in  his  body  and  soul. 

The  body.     Notice 

Its  earthly  nature.  "  Dust."  What  a  humiliating  descrip- 
tion of  man  !  not  a  tall  pillar  of  marble,  but  a  little  heap  of 
dust ;  how  feeble,  worthless,  and  insignificant !  The  gay  and 
licentious,  the  lofty  and  ambitious,  are  only  so  many  little 
lumps  of  proud  dust.  What  folly  and  madness  do  they  be- 
tray whose  chief  concern  is  for  the  bodv  ! 

Its  humiliating  origin.  "  The  earth  as  it  was."  Gen.  ii.  7. 
22 


254  THE    DESTINY    OF    THE    SOUL. 

Come  and  look  at  yonr  origin,  and  is  it  possible  that  pi-ide 
can  find  a  place  in  yonr  heart !  How  wonderful  is  the  mech- 
anism of  the  human  frame !  What  Divine  power  and  skill 
are  displayed  in  the  beautiful  connection  of  its  several  parts! 
The  finger  of  God  is  here. 

Its  affecting  destiny.  It  shall  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was, 
because  of  sin.  This  destiny  is  certain,  os  to  the  fact  of  it. 
No  power  or  policy  can  avert  the  stroke  of  death,  or  shut  the 
mouth  of  the  gaping  tomb.  It  is  uncertain,  as  to  the  'period 
of  it.  "  Our  times  are  in  thy  hand."  It  is  diversified,  as  to 
the  manner  of  it.  Some  return  to  their  mother  earth  slowly, 
others  more  rapidly  ;  some  by  accident,  others  by  the  progress 
of  disease,  and  others  by  the  infirmities  and  decay  of  declin- 
ing nature.  It  is  universal,  as  to  the  ex-tent  of  it.  "  Death 
passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned."  Dravr  near 
to  the  tomb  of  the  proud,  ambitious  conqueror,  who  made  na- 
tions tremble  before  him.  AVhere  is  all  his  pomp  and  gran- 
deur ?  where  his  valor  and  undaunted  bravery  now?  Ah! 
frail  mortal, 

"  A  lieap  of  chist  alone  remains  of  thee  ; 
'T  is  all  thou  art,  and  all  the  proud  shall  be." 

How  unbecoming  is  the  fear  of  man!  How  beautiful  is 
the  ornament  of  humility  !  God  remembers  we  are  dust, 
though  we  may  not.  How  great  is  the  evil  of  sin,  which  brings 
such  a  train  of  evils  after  it ! 


AUGUST   21. 
THE    DESTINY   OF   THE    SOUL. 

'  Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was  ;  and  the  spirit  shall  return  unto 
God  who  gave  it." — Eccles.  xii.  7. 

Let  us  now  look  at  the  other  and  more  dignified  part  of 
man's  nature. 

The  soul.     Notice  it  in  three  points  of  view. 

Its  spiritual  essence.  It  is  here  called  "  the  spirit."  How 
different  is  its  nature  to  that  of  the  body  !  How  wondei-ful 
are  the  powers  and  capacities  of  the  soul !  It  is  the  mint  where 
our  ideas  are  coined,  and  the  storehouse  where  they  are  laid 
up  for  future  use.  Man  is  capable  of  receiving  into  his  mind 
the  treasures  of  wisdom  and   knowledge,  and  of  holding  com- 


NKGAXlVi:    DESOKU'TlUN    OF    UEAVJiN.  255 

muuion  with  God.  If  man  were  composed  of  nothing  but 
inutter,  there  could  be  no  association  with  that  Divine  Being 
wliose  nature  is  spirituaL  AVhat  a  treasure  does  man  possess 
in  his  mind,  tliat  is  capable  of  such  improvement,  cultivation, 
and  intellectual  enjoyment  !  How  delightful  when  it  is  en- 
larged and  expanded  with  religion  ;  when  all  its  powers  are 
sanctified  to  holy  ends  and  purposes  ! 

lis  suhUme  origin.  "•  God  who  gave  it."  The  soul  has 
been  called  a  spark  of  the  Deity.  It  is  the  breath  of  God. 
AVhen  man  Avas  ibrmed,  God  "  breathed  into  his  nostrils  the 
breath  of  life,  and  he  became  a  living  soul."  Whatever  pow- 
ers and  faculties  the  soul  possesses,  God  gave  them  :  —  "  There 
is  a  spirit  in  man,  and  the  inspiration  of  the  Almighty  giveth 
him  understanding." 

Its  soleiJin  destiny.  "  The  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who 
gave  it."  Here  is  a  proof  the  soid's  immortality.  The  liv- 
ing, thinking,  reasoning  principle  within,  cannot  become  ex- 
tinct. If  the  soul  were  to  be  annihilated,  God  would  not  have 
endowed  it  with  such  powers  and  capacities  ;  neither  would 
he  have  sent  his  Son  to  redeem  it.  Even  the  heathens  had 
their  elysium,  or  scenes  of  happiness,  and  places  of  punish- 
ment. It  shall  return  to  him  as  its  Creator,  and  as  its  Judge, 
to  surrender  the  final  account.  How  different  will  be  the 
destinies  of  the  righteous  and  the  wicked  !  The  one  shall 
return  with  the  smiles  of  joy  and  peace  ;  the  other,  Avith  feel- 
ings of  terror  and  dismay.  The  one  to  be  fixed  in  eternal 
happiness  with  God  ;  the  other  to  be  driven  from  the  Divine 
presence,  into  everlasting  woe.  With  what  serious  and  solemn 
feelings  ought  I  to  contemplate  myself  as  the  possessor  of  an 
immortal  spirit ! 


AUGUST   22. 

NEGATIVE   DESCRIPTION   OF  HEAVEN. 

"  For  tlic  former  things  are  passed  awaj".''  —  Rev.  xxi.  4. 

John  was  highly  favored  of  God  while  in  the  isle  of  Pat- 
mos ;  the  door  of  heaven  was  set  ajar,  that  he  might  obtain  a 
glimpse  of  its  glories,  and  catch  a  sound  of  its  music. 

Here  is  a  very  short,  but  expressive  description  of  heaven. 
Let  us  illustrate  aiid  improve  the  subject. 


256  V  JESUS    OUK    OOMMANDEK. 

Let  us  illustrate  it.  What  things  are  passed  away  in 
heaven  ?  The  diversijied  trials  of  life.  To  these,  John  here 
aUudes.  There  shall  be  no  more  bodily  pain,  relative  anxiety, 
or  mental  agony.  The  present  imperfect  state  of  the  Church. 
Though  here,  in  the  Church  of  Christ,  there  is  much  to  rejoice 
in,  there  are  many  imperfections  to  deplore.  But  in  heaven 
all  shall  be  harmony,  peace,  and  perfection.  21ie  desolating 
influence  of  sin.  Its  ravages  are  seen  in  a  thousand  forms  ; 
in  kingdoms,  states,  cities,  towns,  villages,  families,  and  indi- 
viduals. But  in  heaven,  while  there  is  no  sorrow  to  disturb, 
there  is  no  sin  to  defile.  The  trophies  of  death.  Death  goes 
full  armed  on  the  wide  field  of  nature,  and  none  can  escape  his 
scythe.  But  there  shall  be  no  more  death.  Every  earthly 
scene.  The  world  itself  shall  pass  away,  and  nature  sink  in 
ruins.     There  shall  be  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth. 

Let  us  improve  it.  If  these  things  are  so,  then  what 
should  be  our  course  of  pursuit?  Be  resigned  imder present 
trials.  They  are  but  momentary  in  their  duration,  and  light 
in  their  nature,  compared  with  the  eternal  weight  of  glory  you 
anticipate.  Be  moderate  in  your  attachment  to  present  things. 
Prefer  Jerusalem  above  your  chief  joy ;  let  religion  be  the 
bright  sun,  eclipsing  with  its  splendor  all  the  lesser  lights  that 
burn  around  you.  Wait  patiently  for  the  solution  of  mysteries. 
When  the  clock  of  time  has  struck  its  last  hour,  eternity  shall 
present  you  with  a  key  to  unlock  all  the  hidden  treasures  of 
Providence,  grace,  and  glory.  Bs  prepared  for  that  glorious 
state.  When  you  hear  of  its  joys,  inquire  how  you  may  in- 
herit them.  It  is  by  a  personal  interest  in  Christ.  How 
should  we  rejoice  that  life  and  immortality  are  brought  to 
light  by  the  Gospel,  and  that  the  earnest  and  foretaste  of 
them  are  brought  into  the  heart  by  the  Spirit  ! 


Lj- 


'i^'t.  august  23. 

JESUS   OUR   COMMANDER. 

'^'  Commauder  of  the  people."  —  Isa  Iv.  4. 


War  is  an  awful  calamity ;  but  there  is  a  spiritual  warfare 
in  Avhich  we  should  all  do  well  to  engage — war  against  sin, 
under  the  Captain  of  our  salvation.  Let  us  inquire  into  the 
nature  and  duties  of  the  office  of  a  commander,  and  see  how 
they  will  apply  to  Christ.     As  a  Commander 


JESUS    UUK    C'OMMANDKU,  257 

IIk  assesiules  ins  soldiers.  All  the  individuals  who 
compose  his  army  are  volunteers  —  none  are  pressed  into  his 
.-service  against  their  inclination  ;  they  are  gathered  around  the 
standard  of  the  cross,  by  the  preaching  of  his  Gospel,  attended 
Avith  the  power  of  his  Spirit.     As  a  Commander 

He  disciplines  tiieji  for  battle.  There  are  many 
arts  to  learn,  a  regular  course  of  training  to  go  through,  before 
the  soldier  is  fit  for  service.  A  soldier's  life  is  neither  idle 
nor  easy.  The  Christian  is  trained  by  his  Commander  for 
the  good  warfare.  "  He  teacheth  my  hands  to  war,  and  my 
fingers  to  fight."  Soldiers  are  sometimes  exercised  privately, 
when  they  are  not  engaged  in  actual  confiict,  but  not  so  with 
the  Christian.  He  has  enough  really  to  exercise  him  in  en- 
gagements Avith  tho  enemy,  Avithout  any  sham  fights.  As  a 
Commander 

He  coNDrOTS  them  to  avar.  He  is  their  Leader,  to 
guide  th(;m.in  their  march.     Bnt  how  ? 

J??/ /lis  icord.  There  are  many  who  would  be  interested  in 
Christ  as  a  Saviour,  but  they  do  not  desire  him  as  their  Com- 
pandor. The  commander's  Avord  is  the  soldier's  law.  Is  it 
so  Avith  us  in  reference  to  Christ's  word  .''  Are  Ave  ready  im- 
plicitly to  obey  ? 

J>i/  /lis  example.  He  has  left  us  a  good  i)attern.  It  is  re- 
corded of  Julius  Caesar,  that  he  never  said  to  his  men,  go,  but 
come  ;  he  himself  led  the  way.  It  is  so  Avith  our  Divine  Com- 
mander.    He  says,  "  FoIIoav  me." 

7iV/  his  Spirit.  The  Spirit  is  given  to  guide  us  into  all  truth, 
and  leads  us  in  the  Avay  of  duty.     As  a  Commander 

He  furnishes  proa'isions.  "  Who  goeth  to  a  Avarfare 
at  his  own  charges  ?  "  Our  Commander  has  supplied  us  hith- 
erto, to  the  Avonder  of  his  friends,  and  the  confusion  of  his  ene- 
mies. Divine  supplies  are  laid  up  in  the  inexhaustible  fulness 
of  Christ,  and  dispensed  as  they  are  required.  As  a  Com- 
mander 

He  anijiates  them  in  the  conflict.  The  presence. 
of  the  general  inspires  the  soldiers  Avith  fortitude  —  they  are 
valiant  Avhile  they  catch  his  eye,  and  see  him  nnrufilcd.  The 
Captain  of  our  salvation  emboldens  us  Avith  his  promises.  As 
a  Commander 

He  reavards  their  labors.     Kev.  iii.  21.     The  soldier 
lejoices  Avhen  the  toil  of  the   conflict  is  over,  and  victory  is 
shouted  ;  but  Avhat  is  this  to  the  joys  and  triumphs  of  the  re- 
deemed above,  where  the  palm   of  victory  is   waved,  and  the 
22* 


/  A    BECOMING    COXVERSATIOX. 

■tiqueror's  song  is  celebrated  ?  How  honorable  is  it  to  fight 
jnder  the  conduct  of  such  a  Commander !  Am  I  a  soldier  of 
Christ  ?  If  I  am,  let  me  go  forth,  setting  up  my  banner  in  his 
name. 


AUGUST    24. 

A  BECOMING  CONVERSATION. 

"  Only  let  your  conversation  be  as  becomcth  the  Gospel  of  Christ."  —  Phil.  i.  27. 

Paul,  in  the  passage  before  us,  expresses  a  wish  that  his 
labors  might  not  be  lost  upon  the  Pliilippians.  In  this  verse 
he  desires  several  things  on  their  behalf :  — 

Consistency.  Many  designations  are  givon  to  the  Gos- 
pel ;  it  is  called  the  wisdom  of  God  in  a  mystery,  the  Avord 
of  truth,  the  word  of  God's  grace,  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus, 
and  the  ministration  of  the  Spirit ;  here  it  is  called  the  Gos- 
pel of  Christ'.  It  is  so  denominated  because  Christ  is  the 
author  and  substance  of  it,  and  because  he  confirmed  it  by  his 
miracles,  proclaims  it  by  his  ministers,  and  applies  it  by  his 
Spirit.  But  our  chief  business  will  be  to  inquire  what  is  in- 
volved in  having  our  conversation  as  becometh  the  Gospel. 

A  humble  spirit.  Humility  is  an  inverted  paradoxical  lad- 
der, in  which  he  who  descends  lowest  ascends  highest — the 
lowest  step  of  Christian  humility  is  the  highest  point  of  Christ- 
ian eminence. 

A  cheerful  temper.  I  have  seen  some,  whose  piety  I  would 
not  for  a  moment  doubt,  though  I  question  their  prudence, 
who  display  such  moroseness  of  temper,  coldness  of  manners, 
and  gloom  of  countenance,  that  to  be  in  their  company  is  like 
being  suddenly  transported  to  Greenland's  icy  mountains  ; 
they  carry  with  tliem  such  a  chilling  influence,  that,  instead  of 
recommending  religion,  they  render  it  uninviting.  It  is  a  sen- 
timent much  to  be  admired,  that  a  cheerful  piety,  like  the  re- 
freshing rose,  sheds  a  fi'agrance,  peculiarly  its  own,  over  our 
whole  conversation,  and,  like  that  lovely  flower,  leaves  its  re- 
viving scent  when  we  are  gone. 

A  holy  conversation.  The  language  of  Canaan  is,  to  many 
professors,  but  a  dead  one ;  and  they  do  not  seem  to  desire 
that  it  should  be  a  living  one,  with  regard  to  them.  Mr. 
Hervey  resolved  never  to  go  into  any  company  where  he 
could  not  obtain  access  for  his  Master. 


CIiniSTIAX    STEDFASTNESS.  259 

An  exemplary  conduct.  The  Avord  "conversation,"  aa 
here  employed,  as  well  as  in  some  other  passages,  refers 
principally  to  the  deportment  of  the  life,  and  not  to  the  lan- 
guage of  the  lip.  Thus  Paul  speaks  of  his  "  conversation  in 
the  Jews'  religion;"  and  Peter  of  "  a  conversation  honest 
among  the  Gentiles,"  and  "  a  good  conversation  in  Christ." 
''  To  him  that  onlereth  his  conversation  aright,  will  I  show 
the  salvation  of  God."  —  Psa.  1.  23.  It  is  walking,  not  talk- 
ing, that  makes  the  Christian.  Talk  not  of  a  good  life,  said 
one  of  the  heathen  philosophers,  let  your  life  speak  —  this  is 
the  best  eloquence,  and  calculated  to  produce  the  most  power- 
ful effects.  Therefore,  for  your  own  sake,  for  the  honor  of 
religion,  the  glory  of  God,  the  prosperity  of  the  church, 
and  as  an  example  to  the  world,  "  Let  your  conversation  be 
as  it  becoraeth  the  Gospel  of  Christ." 


AUGUST   25. 

CHRISTIAN  STEDFASTNESS. 

"  That  ye  stand  fast."  —  Phil.  i.  27. 

This  is  a  very  short,  but  suitable  advice  ;  it  implies  the 
previous  possession  of  Christian  principle,  and  enjoins  on  us 

Stability.  "  That  ye  stand  fast ; "  that  is,  be  fixed,  firm, 
and  settled.  Matthew  Henry  observes,  our  conversation 
should  be  as  becomes  those  who  believe  Gospel  truths,  sub- 
mit to  Gospel  laws,  and  depend  upon  Gospel  promises  ;  and 
with  an  answerable  faith,  holiness,  and  comfort.  We  must 
stand  fast  in  the  things  of  religion,  both  as  it  regards  faith 
and  practice.     There  must  be 

A  firm  and  unshaken  adherence  to  the  truths  wJu'ch  the  Gos- 
pel unfolds.  Here  the  Bible  must  be  our  rule  —  the  man  of 
our  counsel — the  standard  of  our  appeal:  our  faith  does  not 
stand  in  the  wisdom  of  men.  To  consult  human  traditions 
rather  than  the  divine  oracles,  would  be  to  prefer  the  glim- 
mering taper  to  the  meridian  sun,  the  polluted  stream  to  the 
pure  fountain,  tlu;  feeble  intellect  of  man  to  the  mind  and 
wisdom  of  God.  There  must  be  the  foundation  of  Gospel 
truth  laid  in  the  mind,  if  we  would  be  built  up  in  our  most 
holy  faith.  AYe  are  to  grow  in  grace  and  knowledge,  and 
follov/  on  to  know  the  Loi'd.  We  may  receive  accessions  to 
our    knowledge,   without  impairing  our  stability.      What  a 


260  CHRISTIAN    UNlXr    AKD    ACTIVITY. 

changeable  and  V'ticillating  spirit  do  some  individuals  betray ; 
first  embracing  this  opinion,  and  then  that  notion,  like  the 
chameleon,  which  assumes  different  colors  ;  they  resemble 
plants  whose  soil  is  frequently  changed,  and  are  thereby  not 
likely  to  grow  or  thrive  ;  they  are  like  vessels  in  the  sea, 
driven  hither  and  thither  by  winds,  and  never  making  any 
progress  towards  the  haven.  "  Unstable  as  water,  they  shall 
not  excel."  But  it  is  a  good  thing  that  the  heart  be  estab- 
lished with  grace.     There  must  also  be 

A  diligent  and  j}erseve7'ing  discharge  of  the  duties  ichiclt 
the  Gospel  enjoins.  It  is  possible  to  have  a  sound  creed,  and 
yet  not  a  sincere  heart.  Many  deny  by  their  life  what  they 
atHrm  with  their  lips.  Tlie  duties  of  religion  are  various. 
We  are  to  have  our  conversation  becoming  the  Gospel  in 
every  scene,  and  on  every  occasion.  Thus  the  life  of  the 
Christian  is  represented  as  a  walk  with  God.  We  must 
stand  fast  in  our  honorable  profession,  unmoved  alike  by  the 
smiles  or  the  frowns  of  a  wicked  world ;  stedfast  in  a  prac- 
tical regard  to  the  solemn  obligations  that  devolve  on  us,  and 
unmovable,  like  the  rock  in  the  midst  of  raging  billows  and 
foaming  waves.  What  a  mercy  that  there  is  One  who  is 
willing  to  impart  that  strength  from  on  high,  by  which  alone 
Ave  can  stand  secure  ! 


AUGUST    26. 

CHRISTIAN  UNITY  AND  ACTIVITY. 

"  That  je  stand  fast  in  one  spirit,  with  one  mind,  striving  together  for  the  faith  of  the 
Gospel."  — Phil.  1.27. 

Christian  love  is  the  golden  chain  that  unites  believei-s 
to  each  other  ;  but  what  a  i)ity  the  links  of  this  chain  are  so 
frequently  broken  !  If,  says  one,  the  enemies'  watcliword  is, 
"  Divide  and  conquer,"  ours  should  be,  "  Union  is  invincible." 
We  are  here  exhorted  to 

Unity.     "  In  one  spirit,  with  one  mind." 

Christians  tire  one  in  Christ.  They  are  branches  of  the 
same  living  Vine,  members  of  the  same  spiritual  Head,  stones 
of  the  same  glorious  Edifice,  and  children  of  the  same  Divine 
Parent.  It  is  the  same  mercy  that  pities,  the  same  Spirit 
that  calls,  the  same  blood  that  justifies,  the  same  grace  that 
sanctifies,  the  same  refuge  t])at  defends,  and  the  same  hope 
that  animates. 


CHRISTIAN    UXITY    AND    ACTIVITl'.  2G1 

They  should  be  of  one  mind.  This  is  the  Divine  cora- 
maiid,  recommended  in  Scripture,  and  demiinded  by  our 
Christian  pi-ofession.  IIow  great  are  the  advantages  of  the 
communion  of  saints  !  One  of  the  Puritans  remarks,  It  is 
this  that  keeps  our  religion  in  breath,  and  without  which  it 
Avill  be  ready  to  die. 

Activity.  "  Striving  together  for  the  faith  of  the  GospeL" 
Observe 

The  object  of  this  strife.  "  The  faith  of  the  Gospel."  IIow 
insignificant  in  themselves,  and  how  unworthy  of  an  immor- 
tal mind,  are  those  olyects  for  which  thousands  around  us  in 
the  world  are  striving  —  like  the  racers  in  the  Grecian 
games,  stretching  every  nerve,  and  exerting  every  power,  to 
obtain  a  wreath  of  flowers,  which  soon  faded  away.  "  Now 
they  do  it  to  obtain  a  corruptible  crown  ;  but  we,  an  incor- 
ruptible." IIow  magnificent  and  sublime  are  the  ends  pro- 
posed to  the  Christian  !  "  The  faith  of  the  Gospel "  is  identi- 
fied with  our  best  interests.     But 

"  A  soul  immortal,  spending  all  her  fires. 
Wasting  her  sti'ongth  in  strenuous  idleness  ; 
ThroMni  into  tumult,  raptured,  or  alarmed 
At  aught  this  scene  can  threaten  or  indulge. 
Resembles  ocean  into  tempest  \\Tought, 
To  waft  a  feather  or  to  drown  a  fly." 

The  nature  of  this  strife.  It  is  a  holy  and  honorable  con- 
flict, and  includes  a  defence  of  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel 
from  the  corruptions  of  men  —  the  development  of  its  princi- 
ples in  the  Christian  character,  and  the  diffusion  of  its  truths 
in  the  world.  IIow  desirable  is  it  that  Christians  shoufd 
iniite  together  in  their  eflx)rts  to  spread  abroad  the  knowledge 
of  Christ !  What  can  one  soldier  do  alone  ?  But  an  army 
may  put  the  enemy  to  flight,  and  keep  the  country  in  safety. 
It  is  but  a  small  portion  of  land  that  one  laborer  can  culti- 
vate;  but,  by  the  combined  energies  of  many,  how  much  may 
be  done  in  the  production  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth !  The 
ocean  is  composed  of  drops,  and  small  atoms  make  the  lofty 
mountain. 

''  Oh  liappy  .<;ervant  he, 

In  sucii  a  postnre  found  ! 
He  shall  his  Lord  with  rapture  see, 
And  he  with  honor  crowned." 


262  THE    BENEFIT    OF    INTEGRITY. 

AUGUST    27. 

THE  BENEFIT  OP^  INTEGRITY. 

"  The  integrity  of  the  upright  shall  guide  them."  —  Prov.  xi.  3. 

The  verse  out  of  which  these  words  are  selected,  presents 
to  our  view  a  striking  and  affecting  contrast.  Here  are  two 
opposite  characters,  two  separate  courses,  and  two  different 
resuhs.  While  "the  integrity  of  the  upright  shall  guide 
them,  the  perverseness  of  transgressors  shall  destroy  them." 
Notice  in  the  text 

The  disposition  of  mind  referred  to.  Integrity. 
Christians  are  often  spoken  of  as  those  that  walk  upriglitly. 
Integrity  is  a  principle  which  leads  us,  with  the  fullest  deter- 
mination, under  all  circumstances,  and^  at  all  hazards,  to  do 
that  which  is  right.  Observe  three  things  respecting  the 
integrity  of  the  upright.  Its  foundation  is  God's  grace.  His 
people  ai-e  upright  in  Christ,  from  the  principles  of  renewed 
nature.  Integi'ity  forms  a  part  of  the  character  of  a  good 
man.  Its  ride  is  God's  word.  This  is  the  standard  to  which 
we  are  to  appeal  in  all  cases  of  doubt  or  difficulty.  "  To  the 
law  and  to  the  testimony."  Its  end  is  God's  gJory..  This 
should  be  like  a  central  sun  in  the  firmament  of  Christian 
experience,  around  which  the  whole  system  of  duties  should 
revolve.  If  God's  glory  is  our  end,  God's  favor  shall  be 
our  reward. 

The  beneficial  effects  resulting  from  it.  "  It 
shall  guide  them."  Henry  observes,  "  his  principles  are  fixed, 
his  rule  is  certain,  and  therefore  his  way  is  plain."  It  shall 
guide  them  in  all  their  decisions.  It  shall  lead  them  to 
adopt  and  pursue  a  right  and  conscientious  course.  Not  to 
decide  in  any  matter  hastily,  but  after  mature  deliberation. 
In  all  their  duties.  These  are  many  and  various,  referring 
to  God,  to  the  church,  to  their  families,  the  neighborhood  in 
which  they  live,  and  to  society  at  large.  In  all  their  dangers. 
While  in  the  world,  we  are  never  free  from  danger.  Dan- 
gers lurk  on  every  side  ;  but  the  integrity  of  the  upright,  while 
it  guides,  also  preserves  them.  In  the  choice  of  society. 
How  much  of  our  comfort,  usefulness,  and  respectability,  de- 
pend on  the  selection  of  suitable  comjjanions  !  "  He  that 
walketh  with  the  wise  shall  be  wise."  In  the  arrangement  of 
domestic  affairs.  How  many  suffer  in  their  character,  com- 
forts, and  reputation,  for  want  of  a  guide  in  their  temporal 


JESUS    THE    PKOrnET.  263 

concerns !  Let  mc  desire  above  all  things  to  have  my  heait 
renewed  ;  and  the  possession  of  a  Divine  principle  will  always 
be  attended  with  the  pursuit  of  an  upright  course. 

AUGUST    28. 

JESUS  THE  PROPHET. 

"  Of  a  truth  this  is  the  Prophet."  —  John  vii.  40. 

While  some  treated  our  Lord  as  an  impostor  and  de- 
ceiver of  the  people,  others  acknowledged  his  Divine  creden- 
tials, and  received  him  as  a  true  prophet.  In  conteraplatino- 
the  prophetical  character  of  Christ,  let  us  notice 

The  subjects  of  his  teaching.  It  consisted  of  several 
parts.     Ihere  was 

The  exposition  of  the  law.  He  gave  to  the  people  the 
ongmal  intent  of  the  lawgiver,  in  order  to  prepare  their 
minds  for  the  better  reception  of  the  Gospel.  This  is  a 
model  for  all  preachers.  In  the  hands  of  Jesus,  sajs  one,  the 
science  of  morality  is  simplified  and  complete;  a  sin^^le  pro- 
hibition is  so  planted  by  him,  that,  like  a  piece  of  ordnance, 
it  may  be  said  to  enfilade  and  sweep  a  whole  territory  of  sin  • 
nothing  can  come  within  its  range  without  challenging  its 
thunder  and  courting  death.  The  proclamation  of  tie  Gos- 
pel. He  came  to  unfold  the  riches  of  Divine  grace,  as  dis- 
played in  the  recovery  of  lost  and  fallen  man.  The' predic- 
twn  of  future  events.  He  foretold  accurately  the  destruction 
0  Jerusalem,  the  dispersion  of  the  Jews,  false  Christs,  his 
own  death  and  resurrection,  and  the  scattering  of  his  disciples 

illE  CHAKACTER  OF  HIS  TEACHING.       Observe 

this  "  tT'"^'  i"''  ^'^'"'''''  ''■'^'^  particularly  struck  with 
inib.  ihe  people  were  astonished  at  his  doctrine."  There 
was  no  timidity  or  hesitation  about  him.  He  was  not  to  be 
diverted  from  his  work  by  the  mistaken  kindness  of  his 
fneiids,  or  intimidated  by  the  threatening  of   his  enemie^ 

'^^'^Si.:''^''  -^-^^  -^^'^  ^n^piicity,^ri;y 

Its  efficacy     True,  many  of  his  hearers  were  only  enra-^ed 
and  exasperated  at  him;  but  others  were  cut  to   the   hear 
amUiis  words,  like  a  two-edged  sword,  pierced  them  to  the 

Its  perfection.     After  the  revelation  of  the  Gospel,  we  are 


264  REASONS    OF    REJECTIXG    CHRIST. 

to  expect  notliing  further  in  reference  to  the  way  of  salva- 
tion. It  is  the  ministration  of  the  Spirit,  and  Gospel  times 
are  "  the  last  times."  If  there  is  not  enough  to  make  you  as 
wise  as  angels,  there  is  enough  to  make  you  wise  unto  salva- 
tion. If  there  is  not  enough  to  make  you  wise  talkers,  there 
is  enough  to  make  you  holy  livers. 

Its  confirmation.  He  proved  his  doctrine  to  be  Divine 
by  the  holiness  of  his  life,  the  miracles  he  performed,  the 
fact  of  his  death,  and  the  triumph  of  his  resurrection  and 
ascension.  If  God  has  raised  up  such  a  prophet,  let  us  sub- 
mit to  his  teaching.  The  best  posture  in  which  we  can  be 
found,  is  sitting  at  the  feet  of  Jesus. 


AUGUST   29. 

REASONS   OF   REJECTING    CHRIST. 

' '  And,  behold,  the  whole  city  came  out  to  meet  Jesus  ;  and  when  they  saw  him,  they 
besought  him  that  he  would  depart  out  of  their  coasts." — Matt.  Tiii.  84. 

Were  we  to  decide  on  our  Lord's  worth  and  excellences, 
from  the  manner  in  which  he  was  treated  in  the  world,  we 
should  form  a  very  incorrect  e.stimate.  We  have  here  an  ac- 
count of  his  visit  to  the  country  of  the  Gergesenes  ;  where  he 
cast  out  the  devils  with  which  two  men  who  met  him  were 
possessed,  into  the  herd  of  swine:  verse  32  —  34.  The  char- 
acter given  of  the  Gergesenes  presents  a  true  picture  of  the 
ungodly.     Observe 

The  REASONS  why  the  Saviour  is  rejected.  Many 
come,  as  it  vrere,  to  see  Christ  in  the  Gospel,  influenced  by 
curiosity  or  custom,  who  still  reject  him,  and  desire  him  to 
depart  from  them.     One  reason  is 

Ignorance.  Had  the  inhabitants  of  the  country  our  Sa- 
viour here  visited,  known  him  in  his  worth  and  excellency, 
and  the  glorious  design  of  his  mission,  they  would  have  en- 
treated him  to  stay,  rather  than  have  desired  him  to  depart 
out  of  their  coasts.  How  often  does  the  veil  of  prejudice  and 
pride  obstruct  the  vision  of  his  transcendent  excellences  ! 

InsensiUUty.  I  mean  an  insensibility  of  the  danger  to  which 
they  are  exposed,  and  the  safety  provided  in  the  Gospel.  How 
awful  the  state,  to  be  "  past  feeling "  !  Impenitent  sinners 
resemble  Jonah  in  the  storm,  sleeping  when  almost  drowning. 
If  the  sinner  were  aware  of  his  danger,  he  would  tremble  for 
himself,  and  the  state  of  his  soul. 


RECEPTION    OF    CHRIST.  265 

Selfishness.  The  Gergesencs  estimated  the  value  of  their 
swine  more  than  their  souls  ;  so  with  many,  the  world  is  the 
great  object  of  desire  and  delight- 

Unbelief.  This  is  the  deadly  nightshade  that  grows  in  the 
polluted  soil  of  the  human  heart,  and  while  it  deepens  its  roots 
and  spreads  its  leaves,  no  plant  of  grace  can  thrive  there. 
Beware,  then,  of  rejecting  Christ.  We  never  hear  that  he 
visited  the  Gergesenes  again  !  If  you  will  not  hear  when  he 
speaks,  he  will  not  answer  when  you  call. 


AUGUST  30. 

RECEPTION  OF   CHRIST. 

''  And,  behold,  the  whole  city  came  out  to  meet  Jesus  ;  and  when  they  saw  him,  they 
besought  hmi  that  he  would  depart  out  of  their  coasts." — Matt.  viil.  34. 

It  is  said  of  Cato,  who  was  Caesar's  bitterest  enemy,  that 
when  he  saw  Ctesar  prevail,  rather  than  fall  into  his  hands, 
and  stand  to  his  mercy,  he  laid  violent  hands  on  himself,  which 
Caisar  hearing  of,  passionately  exclaimed,  "  0  Cato  !  why 
didst  thou  envy  me  the  honor  of  saving  thy  life  ?  "  Do  not 
sinners,  by  their  rejection  of  Christ,  act  as  if  they  grudged  him 
the  honor  of  saving  their  souls  ?     Let  us  contemplate 

The  manner  in  avhigh  he  should  be  received. 

Spiritually.  Religion  has  not  done  much  for  you,  if  it  has 
not  altered  the  tone  of  your  mind,  and  produced  a  change  in 
your  feelings.  Tlie  law  of  God  must  be  transcribed  in  your 
hearts,  and  Christ  must  be  received  into  your  souls. 

Joyfully.  So  did  Zaccheus :  "he  made  haste,  and  came 
down,  and  received  him  joyfully."  How  joyfully  does  the 
captive  receive  his  liberty,  the  miser  his  gold,  the  merchant 
his  cargo,  the  heir  his  estate,  and  the  prince  his  crown !  and 
should  not  the  reception  of  Jesus  be  connected  with  joy? 

Fully.  He  must  be  received  in  all  the  offices  he  liolds,  in 
all  the  relations  he  sustains,  in  all  the  ordinances  he  enjoins, 
in  all  the  duties  he  inculcates,  and  in  all  the  privileges  he 
imparts. 

Speedily.     How  long  has  he  stood  knocking  at  the  door  of 

your  heart  —  an   attitude   that  intimates  the  readiness  of  his 

departure  if  you  reject  him  ?  Life  has  been  termed  the  golden 

seed-time  of  an  immortal  year.     By  receiving  Christ,  the  soil 

23 


26G  FORSAKING    THE    FOOLISH. 

of  the  heart  is  softened  for  the  seeds  of  piety  ;  the  germ  of 
grace  shall  expand  till  it  shall  be  transplanted  into  a  more 
congenial  clime. 

Continually.  "To  whom  coming  as  unto  a  living  stone." 
There  are  new  discoveries  to  be  made,  and  fresh  supplies  to 
be  received.  This  reception  of  Christ  is  in  fact  the  business 
and  blessedness  of  the  Christian's  life. 


AUGUST   31. 

FORSAKING  THE   FOOLISH. 

"  Forsake  the  foolish,  and  live."— Prov.  ix.  6. 

The  book  of  Proverbs  contains  a  vast  fund  of  useful  max- 
ims and  sententious  sayings,  easily  retained  in  the  memory, 
and  suited  to  all  classes  of  character.  Here  is  a  short,  but 
interesting  portion.     Observe 

The  society  you  are  to  avoid.  "The  foohsh."  The 
wicked  are  so  called  to  distinguish  them  from  the  righteous, 
who  are  designated  "  wise."  Their  folly  is  shown  in  trifling 
with  the  interests  of  the  soul.  They  act  as  absurdly  as  the 
individual  who  should  bestow  all  his  pains  to  embellish  a  cas- 
ket, while  he  cared  not  if  the  diamond  it  contained  were  lost. 
Their  folly  is  shown  in  neglecting  the  means  of  religious  im- 
provement. These  are  placed  within  their  reach  ;  but  they 
would  rather  be  drowned  in  perdition  than  embark  in  that 
vessel  that  is  bound  for  the  shores  of  Canaan,  guided  by  a 
heavenly  Pilot,  and  wafted  by  the  gales  of  the  Spirit's  influ- 
ences. Their  folly  is  shown  in  pursuing  an  ungodly  course. 
The  Avay  of  transgressors  is  hard  ;  what,  then,  will  the  end  be  ? 

The  determination  tou  are  to  make.  "Forsake  the 
foolish."  AVe  must  not  choose  their  company.  You  may 
know  a  man  by  the  society  he  keeps.  It  was  said  of  the  per- 
secuted apostles,  "  Being  let  go,  they  went  to  their  own  com- 
pany." So  it  will  be  with  Christians  ;  their  lawful  avocations 
in  the  world-are  cords  that  often  unite  them  for  a  time  to  the 
vmgodly,  but  when  the  business  is  transacted,  being  let  go, 
they  will  go  to  their  own  company  ;  and  when  the  silver  cord 
of  life  shall  be  broken,  and  they  shall  be  let  go  from  this 
world,  they  shall  go  to  their  own  company  in  heaven.  Again, 
with  regard  to  the  foolish,  we  must  not  imbibe  their  notions, 


INSTRUMENT    OF    KEGENKUATION.  2G7 

because  these  are  contrary  to  Christian  principles.  "We  must 
not  imitate  their  example.  Dare  to  be  singular,  and  come 
out  from  among  them. 

The  ADVANTAGES  YOU  SHALL  OBTAIN.       "  And  livC."      It 

is  often  the  means  of  prolonging  natural  life  ;  for  "  the  wicked 
shall  not  live  out  half  his  days."  It  is  necessary  to  tlie  en- 
joyment of  spiritual  life  —  the  life  of  God  in  the  soul ;  a  life 
of  peace,  respectability,  usefulness,  and  devotedness  to  God. 
It  conducts  to  eternal  life.  If  we  forsake  not  the  foolish  here, 
we  must  share  in  their  everlasting  condemnation.  How  im- 
portant is  decision  of  character  in  religion  ! 


SEPTEMBER    1. 

THE  INSTRUMENT   OF   REGENERATION. 

"  Of  his  o\ni  will  begat  he  lis  with  the  word  of  truth." — James  i.  18. 

These  words  present  before  us  three  things  concerning  the 
regeneration  of  believers.  The  fact  of  it,  they  are  begotten  ; 
the  source  of  it,  "  of  his  oivn  will  begat  he  us  ;  "  this  ex- 
cludes human  merit,  and  ascribes  our  salvation  to  free  and 
sovereign  grace.  The  instrument  employed  is  "  the  word  of 
truth."  This  is  one  of  the  designations  given  to  the  Gospel. 
Let  us  consider 

The  instrument  itself.     It  has  many  properties. 

It  is  not  a  natural  instrument.  It  does  not  opei'ate  by  any 
natural  efficacy,  as  food  nourishes,  as  the  sun  shines,  or  as  the 
wind  blows  ;  if  it  were  thus  natural,  it  could  not  be  of  grace  : 
and  it  could  never  be  employed  without  its  designed  effect  be- 
ing produced,  as  the  sun,  wherever  it  shines,  imparts  light, 
and  sheds  its  genial  influence  on  those  who  are  beneath  its 
rays. 

It  is  an  appointed  instrument.  Rom.  x.  14 — 17.  The  waters 
of  the  sanctuary  run  through  the  channel  of  the  Gospel. 
Here,  in  the  word  of  truth,  God  has  fixed  his  power,  that  is, 
here  he  will  exert  it ;  for  "  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salva- 
tion to  every  one  that  believeth." 

It  is  a  necessary  instrument.  Destitute  of  divine  revelation, 
what  can  we  know  of  the  character,  i)erfections,  and  govern- 
ment of  God,  and  of  the  important  duties  and  final  destinies  of 
mankind  ? 


268  THE    DIGNIFIED    APPELLATION    OF    CHRIST. 

It  is  hut  an  iiistrument.  The  power  and  efficacy  are  from 
God.  The  word  exhibits  Chi-ist,  the  Spirit  enables  us  to  re- 
ceive him ;  the  word  shows  us  his  excellence,  the  Spirit  leads 
us  to  admire  it ;  the  word  declares  the  promises,  the  Spirit 
helps  us  to  plead  them  ;  the  word  makes  known  to  us  the  way, 
the  Spirit  enables  us  to  walk  in  it ;  the  word  is  the  seed  of 
the  Spirit,  the  Spirit  is  the  quickener  of  the  word. 

The  mode  of  its  operation. 

It  loorks  011  the  mind  hy  enlightening  it.  The  word  of  truth 
is  the  book  out  of  which  we  are  taught,  the  Spirit  of  truth  is 
the  Teacher  who  instructs  us. 

It  operates  on  the  conscience  hy  convincing  it.  It  discovers 
to  us  the  evil  of  sin,  the  depravity  of  our  hearts,  and  the  suit- 
ableness of  Christ.  It  shows  us  the  rocks,  shelves,  and  quick- 
sands, which  endanger  the  ocean  of  life,  and  is  a  compass  to 
steer  us  to  the  haven  of  rest. 

It  acts  on  the  soul  hy  converting  it.  We  are  said  to  be  sanc- 
tified through  the  truth,  born  again  of  the  incorruptible  seed 
of  the  word  ;  it  is  a  hammer  that  breaks  the  rocky  heart,  a 
sword  that  pierces  the  inmost  soul,  a  light  that  penetrates  the 
darkest  mind.  May  all  these  important  ends  be  answered  in 
our  experience ! 


SEPTEMBER    2. 

THE  DIGNIFIED  APPELLATION  OF  CHRIST. 

"  The  Lord  of  glory."  —  1  Cor.  ii.  8. 

This  is  spoken  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  we  may  ob- 
serve in  it  two  things. 

His  essential  Godhead.  "The  Lord."  This  term, 
given  to  Christ  in  the  New  Testament,  is  of  the  same  signifi- 
cation as  Jehovah  in  the  Old  Testament ;  it  intimates  that  he 
is  self-existent  and  independent,  without  beginning  or  ending, 
and  the  cause  of  existence  to  all  creatures.  Here  we  have 
an  unanswerable  argument  against  those  who  deny  Christ  to 
be  the  Supreme  God.  We  find  the  same  honor  and  adoration 
jointly  paid  both  to  the  Father  and  the  Son,  without  any  dis- 
tinction or  disproportioned  respect.  Christ  is  called  Lord,  be- 
cause all  the  blessings  of  salvation  are  lodged  in  him  as  pre- 
cious treasures  in  a  storehouse  ;  and  because  he  has  authority 
io  confer  them  on  sinners. 


THE    RESULTS    OI"    CURIST'S    DEATH.  2G9 

His  dignified  appellation.  "The  Lord  of  glory." 
"\Vhy  is  he  so  called  ? 

Because  as  Mediator  lie  is  exalted  to  a  state  of  unspeakable 
glory  and  honor  at  the  Father's  right  hand.  This  is  the 
reward  of  his  sufferings  and  death  —  "  the  joy  set  before  him," 
in  the  anticipation  of  which  he  endured  so  inucli. 

Because  he  is  the  giver  of  all  that  glory  or  excellence  U'hich 
any  of  his  creatures  possess.  He  is  so,  with  regard  to 
the  natural,  moral,  spiritual,  and  celestial  world.  The  holi- 
ness of  saints  and  angels  is  the  brightest  ornament  and  chief 
excellence  of  their  nature  ;  and  from  whom  do  they  receive  this 
exalted  gift,  but  from  the  Lord  of  glory  ? 

JJecause  his  glory  is  continually  being  manifested.  There 
is  a  perpetual  emanation  of  it  both  in  heaven  and  on  earth. 
In  this  world  the  glory  of  Christ  shines  mediately  through  his 
word  as  a  glass,  2  Cor.  iii.  18  ;  but  in  heaven  it  shines  imme- 
diately on  the  whole  of  the  i*edeemed,  which  is  the  very  soul 
of  their  happiness,  Isa.  Ix.  19,  20. 

Because  every  thing  pertaining  to  liim  is  glorious.  His  per- 
son, perfections,  throne,  apparel,  attendants,  and  fame,  are 
glorious.  What  are  si)arkling  gems  and  diamonds,  the  starry 
heavens,  or  the  brilliant  sun,  compared  with  the  glory  of 
Jesus  ?  We  cannot  gaze  on  it  without  borrowing  its  splendor  ; 
our  features  are  covered  with  its  bright  emanations ;  and  then, 
like  one  who  has  looked  on  the  meridian  sun,  we  find  a  dulness 
on  all  surrounding  objects. 


SEPTEMBER    3. 

THE  RESULTS  OF  CHRIST'S  DEATH. 

"  The  death  of  the  cross." — Phil.  ii.  8. 

OxE  powerful  objection  among  Jews  and  infidels  against 
tlie  Christian  religion  is,  that  its  founder  was  treated  with  the 
greatest  contempt  while  he  lived,  and  was  put  to  the  mo.st  i"-- 
nominious  death  ;  but  this  fact,  so  far  fi'om  being  an  argu- 
ment against  the  truth  and  excellence  of  Christianity,  is  a 
sti'ong  evidence  in  i'avor  of  it.  Had  our  Saviour  died  as  a 
prince  in  his  palace,  or  had  he  expired  as  a  famous  general  in 
the  held  of  battle,  at  the  head  of  a  gallant  army,  the  Christ- 
ian religion  would  have  wanted  one  of  its  leading  character- 
istics ;  and  the  wisdom  and  power  of  God  would  have  been 
23* 


270   THE  christian's  knowledge  op  his  change. 

less  visible  in  gathering  the  nations  to  the  blessed  Shiloh. 
Let  us  view 

The  results  of  our  Saviour's  crucifixion.  By  the 
death  of  the  cross, 

He  achieved  a  complete  victory  over  Satan.  The  old  dragon 
and  his  agents,  who  were  precipitated  from  the  lofty  heights 
of  heaven's  battlements  to  the  lowest  hell,  had  obtained  an 
almost  universal  dominion  over  our  lost  and  ruined  world  : 
this  evil  angel  had  heard  that  the  Lord  of  glory  was  about  to 
invade  his  dominions,  and  overthrow  his  kingdom.  Alarmed 
at  the  signs  of  his  approach,  they  made  all  necessary  prepa- 
rations to  repel  the  attack  and  maintain  their  ground.  It  was 
a  wondrous  spectacle  to  see  the  despised  Galilean  turn  all 
the  artillery  of  hell  against  itself,  and  through  death  destroy 
him  that  had  the  power  of  death,  that  is,  the  devil. 

He  accomplished  a  perfect  salvation  for  man.  A  salvation 
the  blessings  of  which  are  divine  in  their  origin,  inestimable 
in  their  sweetness,  countless  in  their  number,  immutable  in 
their  character,  free  in  their  bestowment,  and  holy  in  their 
tendency. 

He  secured  the  highest  glory  to  God.  All  the  perfections 
of  the  Divine  character  shine  with  glory  and  grandeur  around 
the  cross.  "  The  light  of  the  sun,"  says  an  old  divine,  "  is 
always  the  same,  but  it  shines  bi-ightest  to  us  at  noon  :  the 
cross  of  Christ  was  the  noon-tide  of  everlasting  love,  the  me- 
ridian splendor  of  eternal  mercy  ;  there  were  many  bright 
manifestations  of  the  same  love  before,  but  they  were  like  the 
light  of  the  morning,  that  shineth  more  and  more  unto  the 
perfect  day,  and  that  perfect  day  was  when  the  Lord  of  glory 
hung  upon  the  cross."  How  happy  are  those  that  are  inter- 
ested in  the  death  of  Christ ! 


SEPTEMBER    4. 

THE    CHRISTIAN'S    KNOWLEDGE    OF    HIS 
CHANGE. 

"  One  thing  I  know,  that,  -whereas  I  was  blind,  now  I  see." — John  ix.  25. 

In  the  context  we  have  an  interesting  account  of  a  miracle 
our  Saviour  performed,  in  giving  natural  sight  to  a  man  born 
blind ;  but  no  less  a  power  is  exerted  on  every  believer,  in 
the  communication  of  spiritual  vision.  We  may  view  the 
text  as  the  Christian's  exclamation.     It  is  the  language  of 


THE    christian's    KN0"\VLEDGE    OF    HIS    CHANGE.     271 

Humble  confession.  "I  was  blind."  Our  state  by  na- 
ture is  one  of  mental,  moral,  and  spiritual  darkness.  Unbe- 
lievers are  blind  with  regard  to  God.  What  mistaken  views 
have  they  of  the  Divine  character  and  government !  "With 
regard  to  themselves  —  let  me  appeal,  Christians,  to  your  past 
condition.  You  formed  a  wrong  estimate  of  yourselves ; 
you  did  not  see  the  evil  of  sin  ;  you  were  blind  to  the  value 
of  the  soul,  and  the  preciousness  of  Christ.  But  let  us  con- 
sider the  text  as  the  language  of 

Grateful  acknowledgment.     "I  see."     Observe 

The  objects  it  includes.  What  do  you  see  ?  Things  you 
never  witnessed  before?  sin  in  its  vilcness,  yourself  in  your 
iinworthiness,  Satan  in  his  craftiness,  the  heart  in  its  deceit- 
fulness,  the  world  in  its  emptiness,  God  in  his  glory,  Christ  in 
his  fulness,  the  Spirit  in  his  operations,  the  soul  in  its  value, 
ordinances  and  providences  in  their  designs,  life  in  its  short- 
ness, time  in  its  uncertainty,  and  eternity  in  its  realities. 
Hereafter  you  shall  see  greater  things  than  these.  This  is 
only  the  commencement,  what  shall  the  consummation  be  ! 

The  effects  it  produces.  There  will  be  an  open  avowal,  as 
it  was  in  the  instance  before  us  :  you  will,  if  you  are  the  sub- 
jects of  this  vision,  look  beyond  means  and  instrumentality  to 
Christ  as  the  Author  of  it.  There  will  be  joy  and  gratitude, 
a  desire  for  the  increase  of  knowledge,  and  sympathy  for,  and 
exertions  on  behalf  of  those  who  are  spiritually  blind. 

Holy  confidence.  "I  know."  The  Christian  knows 
the  change  he  has  felt,  and  this  in  two  ways :  — 

By  his  own  expey-ience.  "  He  that  believeth  hath  the  wit- 
ness in  himself."  If  we  can  testify  the  fact  of  this  change, 
the  precise  season,  means,  or  manner  of  it  are  unimportant. 
Who  knows,  says  a  living  writer,  precisely  when  the  day  be- 
gins, or  which  are  the  first  beams  that  reach  our  horizon  ? 
Yet  one  thing  we  know,  the  sun  is  rising,  it  is  dawn,  it  is  day. 
Who  perceived  when  he  first  began  to  Hve  naturally  ?  vet  we 
know  we  have  a  being.  It  is  the  reality,  not  the  instriimcn- 
talify,  that  most  concerns  us.     But  it  is  known  also 

From  the  Spirits  testimony.  How  delightful  is  it  when 
this  is  felt  and  enjoyed  !  The  subjects  hows  the  degradation  of 
human  nature,  it  is  a  state  of  blindness  ;  it  stamps  an  impor- 
tance on  means,  Jesus  spat  on  the  ground,  made  clay  of  the 
spittle,  and  anointed  the  eyes  of  the  blind  man  ;  and  it  con- 
firms the  Godhead  of  the  Saviour. 


272  THE    CRUCIFIXION    OF    CHRIST. 

SErTEMBER    5. 

THE  CRUCIFIXION   OF  CHRIST. 

"  They  have  crucified  the  Lord  of  glory."—!  Cor.  ii.  8. 

We  may  from  these  words  notice 

The  FACT  OF  our  Saviour's  crucifixion.  The  death 
of  the  cross  was  a  violent  death.  Under  the  Jewish  dispen- 
sation, no  animal  that  died  of  itself  was  ottered  in  sacrifice  to 
God  ;  so  Chi'ist,  the  great  Antitype,  died  not  of  disease  or  of 
old  age,  but  by  the  hand  of  violence,  and  in  the  flower  of 
life.  He  Avas  cut  off  out  of  the  land  of  the  living.  The  Rose 
of  Sharon  was  plucked  in  its  perfection,  and  the  Lily  of  the 
Valley  was  cut  down  in  the  midst  of  its  bloom,  beauty,  and 
fragrance,  that  it  might  be  to  the  Lord  for  a  sweet-smelling 
savor.  Christ  died  on  a  cross,  to  fulfil  the  types  in  the  Old 
Testament.  As  Isaac  walked  to  mount  Moriah,  with  the 
wood  on  his  shoulders,  so  the  Son  of  God  carried  his  cross  as 
he  went  to  mount  Calvary.  Another  lively  type  of  the  cru- 
cifixion of  Christ,  we  have  in  the  brazen  serpent. 

The  reasons  of  our  Saviour's  crucifixion. 

Ignorance.  "  Had  they  known  it,"  says  the  apostle,  "  they 
would  not  have  crucified  the  Lord  of  glory."  They  were  ig- 
norant of  the  greatness  of  his  character,  and  the  importance 
of  his  mission.  His  glory,  though  partially  concealed  by  the 
veil  of  humanity,  was  displayed  ;  but  their  eyes  were  blinded. 
Is  it  not  the  case  now  with  those  Avho  despise  the  Gospel,  and 
crucify  to  themselves  the  Son  of  God  afresh  ? 

Enmity.  Why  did  they  transfix  the  Son  of  God  on  the 
cross  ?  We  answer  in  the  language  of  the  apostle,  "  because 
the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God." 

Unbelief.  In  the  face  of  all  the  evidences  Avhich  our  Lord 
gave  of  his  eternal  power  and  Godhead,  they  refused  to  give 
credence  to  him,  and  treated  him  as  a  deceiver,  who  wished 
to  impose  upon  the  credulity  of  manknid.  Though  the  cru- 
cifixion of  Christ  was  the  worst  act  that  Avas  ever  perpetrated 
on  the  theatre  of  our  Avorld,  yet  it  Avas  overruled  by  the 
poAver  and  Avisdom  of  Jeliovah,  to  bring  about  the  most  glori- 
ous results. 

"  Hail  !  hallowed  cross,  accursed  no  more  ; 
Rich  tree  of  life  to  all  our  race ; 
Blest  tree  of  Paradise,  Avhich  bore 

The  choicest  fruit —  the  gift  of  grace." 


HUMAN    MEUIX    UlSOLAIMED.  273 

SEPTEMBER    6. 

HUMAN  MERIT  DISCLAIMED. 

"  And  have  uo  confident'o  iu  the  flesh." — Phil.  iii.  3. 

The  sentiment  of  the  apostle  here  is  simply  this  —  we  re- 
nounce all  dependence  upon  what  we  have  done,  and  can  do, 
in  performing  the  righteousness  of  the  law  by  natural  princi- 
jiles,  which  for  their  corruption  and  weakness  may  be  styled 
flesh.     The  believer  has  no  confidence 

In  his  external  church  privileges.  Many  erro- 
neously imagine  that  these  will  entitle  them  to  the  favor  of 
God,  as  they  make  a  distinction  between  them  and  others; 
their  baptism,  church  membership,  and  admission  to  the 
Lord's  table,  are  the  grounds  of  their  confidence ;  but  it  is 
not  so  Avith  the  Christian. 

In  his  negative  righteousness.  That  is,  a  freedom 
from  gross  immoralities,  which  the  apostle  calls  "  the  corrup- 
tion that  is  in  the  woi'ld  through  lust."  Though  we  live  moral 
lives,  and  act  with  such  kind  and  amiable  dispositions  towards 
our  fellow-creatures,  as  to  gain  the  good-will  and  aj^plause  of 
all  around  us  ;  yet,  if  Ave  have  no  other  foundation  on  which 
to  build  our  hopes  for  eternity,  Ave  have  no  scriptural  ground 
for  the  hope  of  salvation. 

In  his  knoavledge.  In  this  state  of  Aveakness  and  im- 
perfection, our  knoAA'ledge  is  limited,  and  our  vicAVS  contracted. 
There  is  a  Avide  prospect  yet  unseen,  a  great  space  yet  undis- 
covered. No  Christian  has  ever  attained  to  the  landmark  on 
AA'hich  is  inscribed  "  perfect ;"  and  shall  w^e  have  confidence  in 
our  knoAvledge  ? 

In  his  duties.  Some  would  make  these  a  ladder  by 
Avhich  to  ascend  to  heaven  ;  Ave  are  alloAved  to  regard  them  as 
a  ladder  to  the  cross,  and  that  itself  is  the  only  ladder  to 
heaven.  We  must  learn  to  use  religious  duties  Avithout  rest- 
ing on  them  :  though  the  dove  in  the  deluge  used  her  Avings, 
yet  she  did  not  tru.st  in  them,  but  in  the  ark ;  so  should  Ave 
engage  in  duties,  but  confide  in  Jesus  alone. 

In  his  graces.  These  are  precious,  and  render  the 
soul  like  God  ;  but  this  gold  Avill  not  abide  the  fiery  test  in  the 
furnace  of  the  laAV,  because  at  its  highest  pitch  it  is,  and 
necessarily  must  be,  attended  Avith  numerous  imperfections. 
Is  not  our  faith  Aveak  as  a  bruised  reed,  and  tainted  Avith  unbe- 
lief? Is  not  our  love  frequently  as  a  smoking  flax,  ready  to 
be  entirely  extinguished  in  oblivion  ?     Are  not  insincerity  and 


274  THE    GLOIUOUS    CHANGE. 

hardness  of  heart  mingled  with  our  repentance  ?  Let  us  be 
thankful  there  is  such  a  foundation  on  which  we  may  with 
confidence  build,  and  be  ever  looking  unto  Jesus. 


SEPTEMBER    7. 

THE   GLORIOUS    CHANGE. 

"  Thoj'  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more,  neither  shall  the  sun  light  on 
them,  nor  any  heat." — Kev.  vii.  16. 

Every  thing  in  nature  has  its  commencement,  its  progress, 
and  its  end.  The  flow^er  that  charms  with  its  beauty,  and  dif- 
fuses its  fragrance  around,  buds,  blooms,  withers,  droo2:)s,  and 
dies.  The  trees  of  the  forest,  on  wdiose  Avide-spreading 
branches  the  birds  of  the  air  lodge  and  find  shelter,  ascend 
from  the  ground,  establish  their  roots  in  the  earth,  decay, 
wither,  and  die.  The  planets  that  shine  so  beautifully  in  their 
orbits,  and  bespangle  the  firmament  with  their  brightness,  go 
on  at  the  command  of  the  great  Creator,  but  shall  one  day 
fall  from  heaven.  The  sun,  that  has  for  near  six  thousand 
years  imparted  its  enlightening  and  genial  influence  to  our 
world,  shall  grow  dim  wath  age,  and  be  turned  into  darkness. 
The  world  itself  shall  come  to  an  end,  its  fabric  shall  burst  at 
the  sound  of  the  archangel's  trumpet.  How  beautiful  was  its 
youth  in  paradise !  how  wonderful  its  maturity  at  the  death 
of  Christ !  how  bright  its  evening  in  the  millennial  glories  of 
the  Redeemer !  how  tremeixlous  its  dissolution  when  heaven 
and  earth  shall  pass  away !  But  there  is  a  world  of  peace, 
where  the  principles  of  corruption  and  decay  are  unknown, 
and  of  this  our  text  speaks.     Contemplate  here 

A  GLORIOUS  CHANGE.  Heaven  is  sometimes  described 
negatively,  or  by  what  it  is  not,  and  at  other  times  positively, 
or  by  what  it  is.     The  description  before  us  is  negative. 

Freedom  from  want.  "  They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neith- 
er thirst  any  more."  What  a  w^onderful  change  shall  be  pro- 
duced on  the  body  at  the  resurrection  !  And  this  must  neces- 
sarily be  the  c.-vse,  or  it  could  not  be  capacitated  for  the  en- 
joyment of  heaven.  Mark  the  attributes  by  Avhich  the  cor- 
poreal part  of  our  nature  is  distinguished,  and  the  change  by 
which  it  shall  be  characterized.  "  He  shall  change  our  vile 
bodies."  Tlie  plain  and  simple  meaning  of  the  expression  of 
the  text  is,  that  the  glorified  spirits  above  shall  have  all  their 
desires  granted,  and  know  no  want. 


PATIENCE     IN    TRIALS.  275 

Release  from  pain.  "  Neither  shall  the  sun  light  on  them, 
nor  any  heat."  Doddridge  renders  this,  "  Nor  shall  the 
scorching  rays  of  the  sun  fall  upon  them,  nor  any  other  in- 
convenient and  disagreeable  heat."  There  shall  be  nothing 
in  that  world  of  happiness  to  deteriorate  from  the  saints'  en- 
joyment. There  shall  be  nothing  to  hurt  or  vex  the  mind, 
nothing  to  mar  or  disturb  the  peace.  Let  the  inquiry  often 
dwell  upon  my  thoughts,  "  Who  shall  ascend  unto  the  hill  of 
the  Lord  ?" 

SEPTEMBER    8. 

PATIENCE  IN  TRIALS. 

"  Patient  in  tribulation." — Rom.  xii.  12. 

The  Church  grows  by  tears,  and  withers  by  smiles  ;  God's 
vine  thrives  the  better  for  pruning.  Queen  Elizabeth  is  re- 
ported to  have  said,  the  skill  of  a  pilot  is  best  known  in  a 
storm,  the  valor  of  a  soldier  in  the  lield  of  battle,  and  the 
worth  of  a  Christian  in  the  time  of  trial.     Let  us  view 

The  nature  of  the  Christian's  trials.  "  Tribula- 
tion "  is  often  spoken  of  as  his  lot  in  this  world ;  and  it  is  of 
two  descriptions  :  — 

Common.  Man  is  said  to  be  born  to  trouble  as  the  sparks 
fly  upward  ;  the  world  is  a  wilderness  of  thorns  and  briars, 
and  not  a  garden  of  beautiful  llowers. 

Peculiar.  I  mean  trials  peculiar  to,  and  inseparable  from, 
the  Christian  life.  It  is  an  easy  thing  to  go  with  the  stream 
of  sinful  custom  and  fashion,  but  to  sail  against  it  exposes  us 
to  continual  opposition. 

The  mannkr  in  "which  thev  are  to  be  borne.  We 
must  be  "  patient  in  tribulation." 

Hoio  is  this  'patience  to  be  exercised  ?  So  as  to  bear  our 
trials  without  murmuring  ;  so  as  not  to  despair  of  deliverance  ; 
to  remember  from  whom  they  come,  and  for  what  they  are 
designed ;  and  that  this  has  been  the  common  lot  of  Christ's 
followers  in  every  age. 

What  are  its  advantages  ?  The  discovery  of  sin  ;  the  im- 
provement of  grace  ;  the  manifestation  of  our  sonship  ;  de- 
liverance from  the  world's  condemnation  ;  and  preparation 
for  eternal  glory.  Thus  God  gives  grace  in  the  day  of  con- 
version, and  tries  it  in  the  period  of  affliction.  We  are 
chastened  of  the  Lord,  that  we  should  not  be  condemned  with 
the  world.  By  this  God  separates  the  sin  that  he  hates  from 
the  soul  that  he  loves. 


276  UNBELIEF. 

SEPTEMBER    9. 

UNBELIEF. 

"  But  there  are  some  of  you  that  believe  not." — John  vi.  64. 

The  chapter  from  which  these  words  are  selected,  contains 
our  Lord's  celebrated  sermon  on  himself  as  the  bread  of  life. 
This  was  a  doctrine  at  which  the  Jews  stumbled,  because 
they  were  destitute  of  that  spiritual  perception,  by  which 
alone  they  could  discern  the  beautiful  and  interesting  represen- 
tation.    Let  us  view 

The  affecting  truth  recorded.  Who  are  they  that 
believe  not  ? 

Those  that  discover  a  spirit  of  indifference.  When  the 
Gospel  is  not  valued  above  every  thing  else,  and  its  blessings 
sought  after  with  intense  anxiety  and  earnestness,  it  is  not 
rightly  believed. 

Those  that  live  in  the  neglect  of  religious  duties.  There 
are  many  duties  connected  with  godliness,  in  the  neglect  of 
•which  it  is  impossible  for  a  true  believer  to  live.  There  are 
some  who  habitually  absent  themselves  from  the  house  of 
God,  and  yet  profess  to  believe  in  the  truths  and  doctrines  of 
Christianity  ;  but  whatever  they  may  pretend,  they  are  only 
practical  atheists. 

Those  that  yield  to  despair.  The  Christian  has  his  doubts 
and  fears ;  but  when  there  is  a  constant  discrediting  of  the 
truth  of  the  Gospel,  this  is  unbelief.  We  should  beware  of 
the  two  extremes,  presumption  and  despair .  — Be  not  high 
minded,  but  fear. 

The  reasons  that  may  be  assigned. 

Insensibility.  The  man  who  knows  and  feels  his  lost 
estate,  will  not  be  long  before  he  seeks  to  remedy  it.  There 
must  be  conviction  by  the  law,  before  there  is  conversion  by 
the  Gospel. 

The  pride  of  reason.  This  made  the  Greeks  count  the 
Gospel  foolishness  ;  they  could  not  imagine  how  there  could 
be  a  system  of  religion,  without  bearing  some  atRnity  to  the 
false  j^rinciples  they  entertained  in  their  minds.  Reason 
cannot  comprehend  the  unbounded  essence  of  the  Deity,  no 
more  than  a  man  near  the  sun  could  grasp  it  in  his  arms  ; 
neither  can  reason  understand  all  the  revelation  of  God, 
more  than  an  individual  can  inclose  all  the  beams  of  the  sun 
in  his  eye.     We  have  natural   proofs  of  the  being  of  a  God, 


OUR  lord's  appeal  to  tiik  dlsciples.         277 

but  we  have  not  capacities  to  compreheiul  the  infinite  perfec- 
tions of  liis  nature.  When  reason  is  lost  in  its  upward  flight, 
let  faith  lay  her  hand  upon  Scripture,  and  say,  "  Yea,  let 
God  be  true,  and  every  man  a  liar." 


SEPTEMBER    10. 

OUR  LORD'S  APPEAL  TO  THE  DISCIPLES. 

"  And  he  said  unto  them,  When  I  sent  you  without  purse,  and  scrip,  and  shoes, 
lacked  ye  anything  ?    And  they  said,  Nothing." — Luke  xxii  35. 

This  appeal  was  made  by  Christ  immediately  after  the 
celebration  of  the  Passover  with  his  disciples.     Note 

Our  Lord's  inquiry.     Let  us  view 

The  commission  given.  "  P  sent  you."  The  first  propa- 
gators of  Christianity  were  sent  with  no  recommendation ' 
from  the  princes  and  rulers  of  this  world,  or  authority  from 
the  chief  priests,  scribes,  and  Pharisees.  It  was  enough  that 
Jesus  sent  them.  Their  commission  was  divine,  full,  impor- 
tant, honorable,  and  unlimited.    God  now  sends  his  ministers. 

The  condition  stated.  "  Without  purse,  and  scrip,  and 
shoes."  Their  condition  was  humble  and  lowly,  and  they 
were  taught  to  have  a  nobler  object  of  pursuit  in  view  than 
the  accumulation  of  money,  and  the  adorning  of  their  bodies 
with  fine  raiment.  Their  lowly  circumstances  led  them  to  a 
daily  dependence  on  the  providential  care  and  undeserved 
goodness  of  God. 

The  question  proposed.  "  Lacked  ye  anything  ?  "  The 
Almighty  said  to  Moses,  "  These  forty  years  the  Lord  thy 
God  hath  been  with  thee  ;  thou  hast  lacked  nothing."  Chris- 
tian, this  question  is  proposed  to  you.  You  are  in  the  wilder- 
ness ;  has  not  God  led,  fed,  and  clothed  you  ?  Perhaps  you 
have  been  for  many  years  in  the  way ;  have  you  lacked  any- 
thing ?  lias  he  not  given  you  Avisdom,  direction,  peace,  joy, 
strength,  and  every  needful  grace  ? 

The  disciples'  reply.  "And  they  said.  Nothing." 
They  were,  doubtless,  deprived  of  many  comforts  and  enjoy- 
ments they  might  otherwise  have  possessed ;  but  that  was 
nothing.  They  lacked  the  kindness,  respect,  and  attentions 
of  the  great,  but  that  was  nothing :  they  rejoiced  that  the 
poor  had  the  Gospel  preached  to  them.  It  is  a  good  remark 
of  Gurnall's,  Take  contentment  from  godliness,  and  jou  take 
one  of  the  best  jewels  away  she  wears  in  her  bosom.  Let 
me  learn,  in  whatsoever  state  I  am,  therewith  to  be  content. 
24 


278  THE     PRECIOUSNESS    OF    FAITH. 

SEPTEMBER    11. 

THE  PRECIOUSNESS  OF  FAITH. 

"  Precious  faith." — 2  Pot.  i  1. 

Our  present  state  of  existence  excludes  from  our  view  the 
glorious  realities  of  the  future  world  ;  hut  the  Gospel  calls  on 
us  to  helieve,  though  we  see  not ;  and  on  this  ground  we  estab- 
lish the  necessity  of  faith.  In  what  respects  may  it  be  styled 
*•  precious  "  ? 

In  its  NATURE.  The  Christian's  faith  is  denominated 
saving,  in  opposition  to  that  which  is  nominal.  It  is  a  grace 
of  the  Spirit ;  it  is  not  in  our  nature  to  believe  we  are  born 
with  evil  hearts  of  unbelief.  •  It  is  the  mind's  persuasion  of 
its  wants,  and  firm  reliance  on  the  Saviour's  fulness.  But  it 
is  called  precious,  not  only  for  the  excellency  of  its  nature, 
but  because  of 

Its  scarcitv.  It  is  uncommon ;  how  few  possess  it ! 
Thus  it  is  said  in  1  Sam.  iii.  1,  "  The  word  of  the  Lord  was 
precious  in  those  days  ;"  that  is,  it  was  scarce  ;  "  there  was 
no  open  vision."     "  Many  are  called,  but  few  are  chosen." 

In  its  source.  Three  things  plainly  show  the  divine 
origin  of  faith  :  the  testimony  of  Sci'ipture  ;  the  inefficiency  of 
human  jiower  ;  and  the  subjects  on  vvhom  it  is  wrought.  You 
may  just  as  well  attempt  to  still  the  raging  of  the  tempestuous 
ocean,  as,  by  human  instrumentality  alone,  to  turn  a  sinner 
from  the  error  of  his  ways. 

In  its  object.  It  looks  to  Jesus,  and  unto  them  which 
believe  he  is  precious.  Faith  is  the  faculty  of  vision  to  the 
soul ;  it  is  the  eye  that  beholds  the  Saviour.  It  is  like  the 
miscroscope  that  distinguishes  hidden  charms,  and  presents  to 
our  mind  those  excellences  which  lie  undiscovered  to  the  eye 
of  reason. 

In  its  effects.  By  faith  we  are  said  to  be  justified  and 
sanctified.  It  is  precious,  as  it  is  the  bond  of  our  union  to 
Christ.  It  is  the  hand  that  receives,  as  well  as  the  eye  that 
beholds,  the  Redeemer.  It  is  precious  in  the  effects  it  pro- 
duces, in  sorrow  and  trial ;  and  in  the  supports  it  yields  in 
death.  Through  faith,  says  one,  the  world,  and  all  its  vani- 
ties, like  the  retiring  tide,  recede  from  the  heart ;  while  the 
jovs  of  God's  salvation  flow  in,  and  fill  the  soul  with  substan- 
tial and  satisfying  delights. 


THE     GLORIOUS     OBJECT    AND     OFFICE.  27U 

SEPTEMBER    12. 

THE  GLORIOUS  OBJECT  AND  OFFICE. 

"  For  the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead 
them  unto  liying  fountains  of  waters  ;  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their 
eyes." — Iter.  vii.  17. 

We  liave  here  a  glorious  object,  and  a  glorious  olnce  ;  let 
us  look  at  each  of  tliein. 

A  GLORIOUS  OBJECT.  "  The  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst 
of  the  throne."  This  is  none  other  than  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  is  emphatically  called  "  the  Lamb  of  God."  lie  was 
tyi)ified  by  the  lambs  that  wei'e  offered  under  the  Jewish  dis- 
pensation ;  thus  his  atonement  was  set  forth.  Look  at  his 
exalted  station,  ''  in  the  midst  of  the  throne."  This  bespeaks 
his  Divinity,  he  is  equal  Avith  God  ;  his  authority,  he  is  on 
a  ihrone,  exalted  as  a  Prince  ;  his  pre-eminence,  he  is  in  the 
midst  of  the  throne,  as  the  grand  object  of  attraction  ;  drawing 
every  eye,  tilling  every  heart,  employing  every  tongue. 

A  GLORIOUS  OFFICE.  It  is  threefold.  "What  shall  Jesus 
do  for  his  people  above  ? 

He  shall  feed  them.  He  does  so  now  —  but  how  ?  He 
gives  his  word,  his  promise,  his  grace,  his  providence,  yea 
himself.  Here  he  leads  them  in  the  green  pastures  of  divine 
ordinances,  and  beside  the  still  waters  of  the  sanctuary  ;  but 
in  heaven  he  shall  regale  them  with  the  fruits  of  paradise, 
and  the  streams  of  the  crystal  river. 

He  shall  lead  them.  The  blessings  of  grace,  as  well  as  the 
provisions  of  glory,  are  often  compared  to  water,  streams, 
rivers,  and  fountains.  Here  Ave  have  a  very  expressive  de- 
scription, "  Living  fountains  of  waters."  This  is  descriptive 
of  the  pure,  reviving,  and  filling  nature  of  the  enjoyments  of 
heaven.  Jesus  is  our  licader  both  in  the  vale  of  tears,  and 
on  the  mount  of  joy. 

He  shall  comfort  the?)?.  "And  God  shall  wipe  away  all 
tears  from  their  eyes."  The  present  state  is  one  of  sorrow 
and  tears,  but  it  shall  not  be  so  in  heaven.  The  tears  of  re- 
pentance shall  be  wiped  away,  for  there  shall  be  no  more 
sin ;  the  tears  of  grief  shall  be  wiped  away,  for  there  shall 
be  no  more  sorrow  ;  the  tears  of  bereavement  shall  be  wiped 
away,  for  there  shall  be  no  more  separation.  Is  Jesus  in  the 
midst  of  the  throne  in  glory  ?  Then  he  should  be  in  the 
midst  of  my  heart,  reigning  supreme  over  its  powers  and 
passions. 


280  THE    ENEMY. 

SEPTEMBER    13. 

THE  ENEMY. 

"  WTien  the  enemy  shall  come  in  like  a  flood,  the  f-'iiirit  of  the  Lord  shall  lift  up  a 
standard  against  him." — Isa.  lix.  19. 

"When  a  nation  is  invaded  by  a  numerous  and  powerful 
enemy,  the  sound  of  the  trumpet  heard,  the  alarm  of  war 
given,  and  nothing  is  expected  but  immediate  death  or  per- 
petual slavery  ;  how  every  heart  is  gladdened,  and  every  eye 
sparkles  with  joy,  when  a  mighty  and  merciful  prince  comes 
to  their  relief  with  an  army  of  courageous  soldiers !  The 
Christian  is  sometimes  placed  in  similar  circumstances,  but 
he  has  a  great  and  glorious  Leader.     Observe 

The  enemy.     AVho  are  the  enemies  of  the  Church  ? 

Satan.  He  is  the  accuser  of  the  brethren,  the  great  ad- 
versary of  souls.  This  enemy  is  always  more  ready  to  attack 
the  Christian  after  he  has  been  admitted  into  close  com- 
munion with  God.  Thus  Peter  denied  his  Lord  after  he  had 
been  celebrating  the  last  supper ;  and  Paul  was  buffeted 
after  he  had  been  caught  up  to  the  third  heaven. 

Sill.  This  is  the  common  enemy  of  all  believers.  It  is  a 
crafty  enemy.  "  The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things."  It 
is  a  covetous  enemy.  It  will  not  be  satisfied  with  the  pos- 
session of  one  faculty  of  the  soul,  or  one  member  of  the 
body,  but  has  extended  its  tyrannical  reign  over  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  one,  and  all  the  faculties  of  the  other.  It  has 
obscured  the  understanding,  degraded  the  affections,  perverted 
the  will,  and  filled  the  heart  with  enmity  against  God. 

Wicked  men.  The  seed  of  the  woman,  and  the  seed  of 
the  serpent,  have  always  been  at  enmity  with  each  other. 
Abel  had  a  cruel  brother  Cain,  v.ho  slew  him.  Esau  was  at 
variance  with  Jacob.  The  Israelites  were  persecuted  by  the 
Egyptians.  There  was  Pharaoh  with  his  cruel  counsellors  ; 
Goliath  with  his  army  of  Philistines  ;  Sennacherib,  king  of 
Assyria,  with  his  blaspheming  Rabshakeh.  The  primitive 
Christians  had  their  enemies.  How  much  opposition  did  the 
apostles  meet  with  in  their  labors  to  promote  the  triumphs  of 
the  cross !  "  Yea,  all  that  will  live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus 
must  suffer  persecution."  "What  need  is  there  for  watchful- 
ness and  prayer  on  the  part  of  the  Christian  ?  Let  us  re- 
joice in  the  provisions  made  for  this  warfare,  and  the  promises 
of  final  success. 


TIIK    ATTACK.  281 

SErTEMBEU    14. 

THE  ATTACK. 

"  When  the  eucmy  fluill  come  in  like  a  flood,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  shall  lift  up  a 
standard  against  him."  —  Isa.  lix.  19. 

"Without  any  prefatory  remarks,  we  proceed  to  notice 

The  attack.  "  When  the  enemy  shall  come  in  like  a 
flood."     Let  us 

Explain  the  vietwplior.  It  implies  incursion.  The  enemy 
will  not  stay  without  the  walls  of  the  Church,  as  in  the  be- 
sieging of  a  city,  but  actually  enters.  Satan  comes  into  the 
families  of  Christians,  and  kindles  the  fire  of  strife.  He  en- 
ters the  closet,  the  sanctuary.  He  comes  into  the  hearts  of 
God's  people.  It  implies  multiplicity.  A  flood  of  water 
consists  of  many  drops.  How  numerous  are  the  Christian's 
enemies  !  The  seed  of  the  serpent  is  more  numei'ous  than 
the  seed  of  the  woman.  It  implies  unity.  As  drops  of  water 
in  a  flood  are  closely  connected  together,  and  run  into  the 
same  channel,  so  Satan  and  his  hellish  crew  are  united  in 
their  opposition  to  the  Captain  of  our  salvation  and  his  royal 
army.  Whatever  jarring  and  strife  exist  among  the  follow- 
ers of  the  dragon,  yet  they  are  as  one  man  in  their  opposition 
to  the  Church  of  Christ.  We  have  instances  in  proof  of  this, 
both  in  sacred  and  profane  history.  It  implies  violence.  Tlie 
waters  of  a  flood  are  rapid  in  their  motion,  and  have  great 
strength.  Satan  is  sometimes  violent  in  his  attacks  on  the 
Christian,  so  that,  if  it  were  possible,  he  would  carry  him  in 
the  streams  of  apostacy  to  the  very  gulf  of  perdition.  Let 
us  now 

Illustrate  the  truth.  When  does  the  enemy  come  in  like  a 
flood  ?  When  ignorance  abounds  in  the  Church.  How  many 
have  grown  grey  under  the  means  of  grace,  and  yet  are  but 
children  in  knowledge  !  When  erroneous  doctrines  are  taught. 
We  talk  about  the  increase  of  popery  in  our  land,  but  we 
have  not  far  to  go  to  hear  popish  doctrine  in  protestant  as- 
semblies. Where  salvation  by  human  merit  is  taught,  there 
is  the  essence  of  ])opery,  and  the  grand  pillar  on  which  the 
man  of  sin  rests.  When  infidelity  prevails.  This  is  a  deadlv, 
])oisonous  weed,  that  grows  very  luxuriant  even  in  favored 
Britain  :  may  the  Lord  help  his  servants  in  endeavoring  to 
root  it  up  ;  and  on  the  soil  where  it  has  flourished,  may  there 
be  planted  the  tree  of  life,  whose  wide-spreading  leaves  shall 
heal  those  that  have  been  disteraperc<l  by  it ! 
24* 


282  THE    DEFEAT. 

SEPTEMBER    15. 

THE  DEFEAT. 

"  When  the  enemy  shall  come  in  like  a  flood,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  shall  lift  up  a 
standard  against  him."  —  Isa.  lix.  19. 

"  All  liarmonious  sounds,"  says  Bishop  Hall,  "  are  ad- 
vanced by  a  silent  darkness  ;  and  the  Gospel  never  sounds 
so  sweetly  as  in  the  night  of  persecution,  or  of  our  own  pi'i- 
vate  affliction."  The  passage  before  us  is  an  harmonious  note 
struck  from  the  chord  of  Scripture,  which  must  vibrate  de- 
lightfully with  every  Christian's  heart.  We  proceed  to 
notice 

The  DEFEAT.  When  has  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  lifted  up 
a  standard  against  the  enemy  ?     He  did  so 

At  the  fall  When  the  serpent  seduced  our  first  parents 
to  sin,  the  enemy  gained  ground,  and  came  in  like  a  flood. 
Then  for  a  moment  there  was  joy  in  hell ;  Satan  and  his 
crew  thought  they  had  baffled  the  designs  of  the  Almighty, 
with  regard  to  the  universe  he  had  made,  and  man  whom  he 
had  created.  But  this  joy  was  only  like  a  flash  of  lightning, 
darting  from  one  part  of  the  firmament  to  the  other,  and  in  a 
moment  lost  in  darkness  ;  for  the  light  of  the  glorious  Gos- 
pel soon  broke  forth,  and  a  standard  was  lifted  up  in  the  first 
promise.  Surely  this  came  like  a,  thunderbolt  on  the  old 
dragon,  and  left  him  in  despair. 

At  the  crndjixion  of  C/trist.  The  enemy  seemed  to  come 
far  into  the  Church  when  they  murdered  her  glorious  Head  ; 
but  through  death  he  destroyed  him  that  had  the  power  of 
death.  Behold  the  Saviour  on  the  cross,  bowing  his  head, 
and  giving  up  the  ghost,  —  then  the  enemy  came  in  like  a 
flood  :  see  him  rising  from  the  tomb,  —  then  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  lifted  up  a  standard  against  them. 

At  the  Reformation.  What  an  overwhelming  flood  was 
there  when  Antichrist  prevailed !  but  what  a  standard  did 
God  lift  up,  when  he  employed  Luther  and  the  glorious  com- 
pany of  the  Reformers  to  go  forth  against  the  enemy ;  and 
when  he  put  if  into  the  hearts  of  the  kings  of  the  earth  to 
cast  off  their  subjection  to  Eomish  bondage !  The  man  of 
sin  was  in  the  height  of  his  power,  and  saying,  "  I  shall  never 
be  moved."  Tlie  noble  army  of  martyrs  went  forth  to  battle 
in  God's  name,  gave  the  enemy  a  death-blow,  and  thus  de- 
feated the  design  of  Satan,  and  saved  the  Church. 

In  the  experience  of  every   Christian.     Can  you  not  refer 


GOD    OL'U    KUCK.  283 

to  times  of  distress,  when  God  has  graciously  and  wonderfully- 
appeared  on  your  behalf?  How  often  has  the  standard  been 
raised !  Be  not  afraid  of  the  flood  of  inward  corruption  and 
outward  trial.     God  is  on  your  side. 


SEPTEMBER    IG. 

GOD  OUR  ROCK. 


"  lie  is  the  Kock,  his  work  is  porffct :  for  all  his  ■\rays  arc  jiulgmeut."  —  Deut. 
xxxii.  4. 

It  is  the  greatest  blessing  to  possess  a  right  and  proper 
knowledge  of  God.  "  This  is  life  eternal."  The  Almighty 
is  often  s|)okcn  of  in  the  way  of  figurative  description.  He 
is  so  in  the  text.     Observe 

His  ciiAKACTER.  "  He  is  the  Rock."  What  does  it  de- 
note as  applied  to  God  ? 

His  immutahility.  How  lirm  and  unmoveable  does  the 
rock  remain  amid  the  foaming  billows  I  God  is  immutable  in 
his  nature,  designs,  and  purposes,  covenant,  and  promises. 
"•  He  is  the  same,  and  his  years  cannot  fail."  Let  us  build 
on  him,  flee  to  him,  and  hide  in  him. 

His  duration.  The  existence  of  man  in  this  world  may  be 
compared  to  the  running  of  the  stream  ;  there  are  continually 
fresh  drops  of  water,  so  one  generation  passeth  away,  and 
another  cometh  ;  but  he  is  a  Rock,  firm,  immutable,  eternal. 

His  WORK.  "  His  work  is  perfect."  Nothing  but  per- 
fection can  emanate  from  him.  His  work  of  creation  is  per- 
fect. How  fair  and  beautiful  was  all  nature  when  it  first 
came  from  the  Creator's  hands  !  He  pronounced  it  to  be  very 
good  ;  but  the  introduction  of  sin  has  produced  confusion  and 
disorder.  His  work  of  providence  is  perfect.  _  It  is  a  vast 
machine,  every  wheel  of  which  is  revohing  in  its  proper 
])lace,  turned  by  his  hand  and  guided  by  his  eye,  although 
there  is  many  a  complex  movement  we  cannot  understand. 
His  work  of  grace  is  perfect.  What  lovely  harmony  appears 
inhuman  redemption!  —  the  Lord  will  perfect  that  which 
concerns  his  peo{)le. 

His  WAYS.  "  For  all  his  ways  are  judgment."  That  is, 
they  are  in  strict  accordance  with  justice.  This  is  the  case 
witii  regard  to  his  pardofiing  believers.  INIercy  is  not  shown 
at  the  sacrifice  of  justice.  All  his  ways  with  his  people  are 
judgment  :  and  ere   long  they  will  acknowledge,   "  Just  and 


284  Christ's  intercessoky  prayer. 

right  are  all  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  Saints."  His  jnini siting 
sinners.  Those  who  die  impenitent  can  never  charge  the 
Ahnighty  with  injustice.  Let  me  earnestly  desire  an  interest 
in  God  as  my  Rock,  believe  in  the  perfection  of  his  works, 
and  the  justice  of  all  his  ways ;  and,  viewing  the  transitory 
nature  of  all  earthly  objects,  exclaim,  "  The  Lord  liveth,  and 
blessed  be  my  Eock  !  " 


SEPTEMBER    17. 

CHRIST'S  INTERCESSORY  PRAYER. 

"  These  words  spake  Jesus,  and  lifted  up  his  eyes  to  heaven,  and  said,  Fatlier,  the 
hour  is  come  ;  glorify  thy  Son,  that  thy  Son  also  may  glorify  thee."  —  John  xvii.  1. 

Our  Saviour  had  now  finished  his  farewell  sermon  to  his 
disciples,  recorded  in  the  preceding  three  chapters  of  this 
Gospel,  and  to  this  the  evangelist  alludes  when  he  says, 
"  These  words  spake  Jesus."  The  text  is  a  part  of  Christ's 
Intercessory  Prayer,  which  may  be  considered  as  a  standing 
monument  of  his  affection  to  the  Church,  and  a  pattern  of  his 
prevailing  intercession  in  heaven.     Observe 

The  gesture  he  used.  "  He  lifted  up  his  eyes  to 
Heaven."  Gestures  are  actions  suited  to  the  feelings  and 
dispositions  of  the  mind.  Our  Lord's  expression  or  gesture 
teaches  us  three  things. 

To  cultivate  reverential  feelings.  In  all  our  approaches  to 
God,  we  must'  remember  his  greatness,  his  glory,  and  his 
majesty ;  and  contrast  with  it  our  own  insignificance  and 
unworthiness. 

To  cherish  spiritual  desires.  Lifting  up  the  eye  to  God  in 
prayer,  intimates  the  lifting  up  of  the  soul  to  him.  Outward 
expressions  will  avail  nothing  where  the  inward  feeling  is 
wanting.  The  plumage  of  the  eagle  serves  it  both  for  orna- 
ment and  flight —  strip  it  of  that,  and  you  leave  it  helpless 
and  deformed,  as  a  reptile  of  the  dust :  what  wings  are  to  the 
eagle,  prayer  is  to  the  Christian  ;  take  this  from  him,  and  he 
falls  to  the  ground,  unadorned  and  unsupported. 

To  seek  a  heavenly  portion.     The  men  of  the  world  look 
downwards  to  tjie  earth,  because  their  treasures  are   there  ; 
but  grace  teaches   us   to  look  above  this  lower  world,  to  re- 
nounce all  earthly  things  for  our  portion. 
The  prayer  he  offered.     Notice 

The  object  of  this  jwayer.  He  said,  "  Father."  It  was  in 
\hG  capacity  of  Mediator,  our  Lord  addressed  the  Father  in 


THE    .MUTUAI,     GLOKI VICATION.  285 

prayer;  and  not   as   GoJ.     This  intimiites  no  inferiority  of 
person,  but  of  office. 

The  period  of  this  ijrayer.  "The  hour  is  come."  What 
hour?  The  time  when  he  was  to  be  delivered  into  tlie  hands 
of  his  enemies ;  the  hour  of  his  passion.  We  have  here  a 
striking  proof  of  the  Godhead  of  Christ.  He  knew  the  pre- 
cise time  of  his  sutferings  drew  near,  although  there  was,  as 
yet,  no  outward  appearance  of  it ;  he  did  not  now  see  the 
soldiers  coming  to  apprehend  him ;  but  yet  he  said,  "  Father, 
the  hour  is  come." 


SEPTEMBER    18. 

THE  MUTUAL  GLORIFICATION. 

'•  Tliesii  words  spake  Jesus,  and  lifted  up  his  eyes  to  heaven,  and  said.  Father,  the 
hour  is  come  ;  glorify  thy  Son,  that  thy  Son  also  may  glorify  thee." — John  xrii.  1. 

Let  us  proceed  to  consider 

The  matter  op  this  prayer.  ''  Glorify  thy  Son." 
Three  ways  the  Father  glorified  Christ  in  reference  to  his 
sufferings. 

By  the  support  he  received  in  his  sufferings.  There  ap- 
peared an  angel  in  the  garden  of  Gethsemane  strengthening 
him.  His  sinking  humanity  required  something  to  sustain 
it  amidst  his  extreme  sufferings  and  agonies. 

JBy  the  circumstances  that  attended  his  sufferings.  We 
read  of  none  who  put  on  sackcloth  and  mourning  at  the  death 
of  Christ,  but  the  sun  did  not  forget  to  cover  itself  with  a 
black  robe.  The  high-priest  of  Israel  rent  not  his  garments 
for  sorrow  and  anguish,  but  the  veil  of  the  temple  was  rent 
in  twain  from  the  top  to  the  bottom :  the  earth  quaked,  and 
the  rocks  rent,  so  that  the  centurion  cried,  "  Truly  this  was 
the  Son  of  God  !  " 

By  the  glory  that  succeeded  his  sufferings.  Thus  we  read 
of  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  the  glory  that  should  follow. 
His  resurrection  and  ascension  were  glorious.  The  grave 
could  not  retain  him  after  the  third  day  ;  he  entered  it  as  an 
invader.  View  the  ascending  Conqueror,  when  his  work 
was  finished,  going  to  take  possession  of  his  kingdom,  and  to 
receive  the  joy  set  before  him. 

The  argdmexts  he  employed.     There  are  two. 

The  aiTiral  of  a  jmrticidar  period.     ''  The  hour  is  come." 


286  chrtst's  dominion  over    all    flesh. 

This,  says  Henry,  was  the  most  critical  period  that  ever  was, 
since  the  clock  of"  time  was  first  set  a-goiug.  The  liour  was 
come  when  he  more  especially  needed  the  Father's  assistance 
and  acknowledgment. 

The  securinrj  of  the  Father's  glory.  "  That  thy  Son  also 
may  glorify  thee."  There  were  three  ways  in  which  the 
Son  glorified  the  Fathei*.  As  suspended  on  the  cross  —  as 
rising  from  the  tomb  — and  as  seated  on  his  throne.  Let  the 
glory  of  God  be  our  end,  and  the  God  of  glory  shall  be  our 
portion,  and  the  world  of  glory  our  home. 


SEPTEMBER    19. 

CHRIST'S  DOMINION  OVER  ALL  FLESH. 

"  As  thou  hast  given  him  power  oyer  all  iiesh,  that  he  should  give  eternal  life  toa» 
many  as  thou  hast  given  him," — John  xvii.  2. 

These  words  have  an  evident  reference  to  the  first  verse 
of  this  chapter,  and  may  be  understood  in  a  two-fold  sense. 
First,  comparatively ;  as  if  our  Saviour  had  said,  Give  thy 
Son  a  glory  suitable  to  the  authority  and  dominion  thou  hast 
given  him.  Secondly,  argumentatively  ;  enforcing  his  former 
petition,  as  if  he  had  said.  Glorify  thy  Son  because  thou  hast 
given  him  power  over  all  flesh.  In  this  sense,  chiefly,  we 
understand  the  words.     Observe 

An  important  trust  committed.  Power  over  all 
flesh.     Concerning  this  dominion  of  the  Saviour,  notice 

Its  wiiversal  extent.  It  is  over  all  mankind,  here  designated 
flesh.  All  power  is  given  him  in  heaven,  and  over  lost  spirits 
in  hell,  as  well  as  over  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth ;  but  men 
are  particularly  alluded  to  here,  as  he  came  to  sanctify  and 
save  such,  and  for  this  appeared  in  the  likeness  of  human 
flesh. 

Its  acknowledged  source.  "  As  thou  hast  given  him  power." 
This  verse  speaks  not  of  Christ's  Divine  power  as  God,  but 
his  delegated  power  as  Mediator  ;  which  is  to  be  considered  as 
the  reward  of  his  obedience,  sufferings,  and  death. 

A  GLORIOUS  END  STATED.  "  That  he  should  give  eter- 
nal life  to  as  many  as  thou  hast  o-iven  him." 

The  inestimahlc  blessing  to  be  realized.  "  Eternal  life." 
This  includes  all  the  joys  and   triumphs   of  heaven.     It  is  a 


BELIEVERS    GIVEN'    TO    CHRIST.  287 

life  of  perfect  peace,  holiness,  satisfaction,  and  deli-rht,  and  is 
to  be  enjoyed  forever.  ° 

The  manner  in  which  it  is  ohtained.  Christ  is  said  to  "ive 
It,  because  his  blood  gives  us  a  title  to  it,  his  Spirit  confers  a 
meetness  for  it.  and  his  Gospel  gives  us  a  description  of  it 
He  gives  the  beginning  of  it  in  the  work  of  grace,  and  the 
consummation  of  it  in  the  possession  of  glorj. 

The  individuals  tvho  shall  enjorj  it.  "  As  many  as  thou  hast 
given  him."  Believers  were  given  in  the  mutual  covenant 
between  the  Sacred  Three  ;  given  for  the  most  important  end, 
to  be  redeemed  from  evil ;  given  to  reward  him  for  his  work, 
and  to  celebrate  his  praise. 


SEPTEMBER    20. 

BELIEVERS  GIVEN  TO  CHRIST. 

"I  have  manifested  thy  name  unto  the  men  which  thou  gavest  me  out  of  the  world  • 
John  xvU^fi^^'*^"'  ""^  "^°"  ^'^""^^^  "^''™  '"'^ '    '^"'^  ""^■'*'   ^^^""^   ^'*P'  ^^  word."— 

These  words  are  part  of  a  jirayer,  presented  by  our  great 
Advocate  and  High  Priest  to  the  Father.  The  verse  now 
before  us  contains  a  fourfold  description  of  the  disciples  of 
Christ.     Let  us  contemplate  it. 

Their  relation  to  God.  "  Thine  they  were."  They 
were  originally  the  Father's,  in  three  senses. ' 

As  the  creatures  of  his  power.  God  made  them.  Their 
being  and  preservation  are  derived  from  him.  They  were  in 
his  hand  as  clay  in  the  hand  of  the  potter.  He  had  a  sover- 
eign riglit  and  proprietary  in  them. 

As  the  prisoners  of  his  justice.     By  sin  we  have  fallen  from 
our  original  state  of  purity  and  hapj.inoss ;  and  as  criminals 
forfeited  God's  favor,  and  become  obnoxious  to  his  justice 
Behold  (he   wonders  of  God's  grace,  in  makin"-  those  who 
might  have  been  the  eternal  victims  of  his  offended  justice 
rlie  glorious  trophies  of  his  saving  mercy.  ' 

As  the  objects  of  his  choice.  They  were  the  Father's  by 
electing  love  ;  set  apart  for  himself,  to  receive  his  grace  and 
to  celebrate  his  glory.  Their  names  were  written  from  eter- 
nity in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life. 

Their  donation  to  Christ.  "The  men  which  thou 
gavest  me  out  of  the  world."     Notice 

The  grounds  of  this  donation.     T^Hiy  were  they  given  to 


288  THE    MANIFESTATION    OF    CIIKISx's    NAME. 

Christ  ?  As  the  reward  of  his  mediatorial  work  —  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  eternal  counsels  —  and  as  his  honor  and 
ornament. 

The  purposes  of  this  donation.  They  were  given  to  him, 
to  redeem  from  sin,  to  he  the  subjects  of  his  kingdom,  and 
the  partakers  of  his  benefits ;  to  be  his  offspring,  his  jewels, 
to  deck  his  mediatorial  ci'own,  and  sparkle  to  his  glory,  in 
the  full  blaze  of  eternity.  If  believers  are  given  to  Christ 
out  of  the  world,  then  they  must  not  be  conformed  to  the 
world.  It  is  a  just  remark,  that  a  true  Christian  Uving  in 
the  world  is  like  a  ship  sailing  on  the  ocean  ;  it  is  not  the  ship 
being  in  the  water  that  will  sink  it,  but  the  water  getting  into 
the  ship  —  so,  in  like  manner,  the  Christian  is  not  ruined  by 
living  in  the  world,  but  by  the  world  living  in  him. 


SEPTEMBER    21. 

THE  MANIFESTATION  OF    CHRIST'S  NAME. 

"  I  have  manifested  thy  name  tinla  the  men  which  thou  gavest  me  out  of  the  world  ; 
thine  they  were,  and  thou  ga-vest  tViem  me  ;  and  they  haye  kept  thy  word."— 
John  xvli.  6. 

We  have,  in  the  preceding  exercise,  noticed  believers  in 
their  relation  to  God  and  their  donation  to  Christ ;  it  now 
remains  for  us  to  consider  them  in  their  privilege  and  their 
practice. 

The  PRIVILEGE  THEY  POSSESS.  "  I  have  manifested 
thy  name  unto  the  men  which  thou  gavest  me."     Note 

The  object.  "  Thy  name."  By  the  name  of  God,  we  are 
to  understand  his  character,  perfections,  works,  counsels  of 
mercy,  and  will.  His  name  ought  to  be  remembered  with 
reverence,  and  is  calculated  to  inspire  us  with  joy  and  glad- 
ness. 

The  act.  "  I  have  manifested."  The  name  of  God  is  par- 
tially manifested  in  the  works  of  nature,  and  in  the  dispensa- 
tion of  providence  ;  but  it  is  more  fully  and  clearly  seen  in 
the  work  of  grace.  It  is  savingly  manifested  to  the  souls  of 
Christ's  followers.  We  must  maintain  the  grand  distinction 
between  the  external  and  internal  manifestation  of  Christ ;  a 
distinction  which,  like  a  sharp  scythe,  will  cut  down  many  a 
fair  herb,  many  a  beautiful  flower  in  the  garden  of  nature. 

The  agent.  It  is  Christ's  peculiar  work  to  manifest  God's 
name.     Ministers  may  pi'oclaim  it.  but  Christ  alone  can  mani- 


THE  DARKNESS  OF  NATURE.  289 

fest  it.  He  did  it  by  his  personal  ministrj,  when  he  was  on 
earth ;  lie  now  does  it  by  the  power  and  influence  of  his 
Spirit. 

The  practice  they  pursue.  "  They  have  kept  thy 
word."  By  the  word  of  God,  we  are  to  understand  the  div-ine 
law,  and  all  the  ordinances  of  his  appointment.  This  implies 
the  reception  of  it.  We  cannot  be  said  to  keep  that  which  we 
have  not  previously  received.  They  keep  God's  word  in 
their  mind,  and  thus  retain  its  truth  ;  they  keep  it  in  the  heart, 
and  thus  experience  its  influence.  Obedience  to  it.  They 
keep  it  so  as  to  reduce  it  to  practice.  "  If  ye  know  these 
things,  happy  are  ye  if  ye  do  them."  Continuance  in  it. 
The  disciples  had  kept  God's  woi-d  pure  from  the  doctrines 
and  commandments  of  men,  and  persevered  in  it ;  and  so 
must  we.  Has  Jesus  manifested  God's  name  to  us  ?  Oh  ! 
what  cause  have  we  for  humility,  wonder,  love,  and  joy,  while 
we  exclaim,  "  Lord,  how  is  it  that  thou  wilt  manifest  thyself 
unto  us,  and  not  unto  the  world  ?  " 


SEPTEMBER    22. 

THE  DARKNESS  OF  NATURE. 

"  For  ye  were  sometimes  darkness." — Eph.  v.  8. 

The  verse,  a  portion  of  which  is  selected  for  our  medita- 
tion, presents  to  our  view  a  striking  contrast  between  a  state 
of  nature  and  a  state  of  grace. 

A  STATE  OF  NATURE  IS  A  STATE  OF  DARKNESS.   "  For 

ye  were  sometimes  darkness."  However  awful  and  affecting 
this  description  of  human  nature,  it  is  universally  true.  Un- 
believers are 

In  sin,  the  work  of  darkness.  The  man  who  lives  in  sin, 
whatever  may  be  his  rank  or  condition  in  the  world,  is  living 
in  darkness  ;  his  works  are  works  of  darkness.  He  shuns 
the  light,  because  his  deeds  are  evil.  He  walks  in  darkness, 
and  is  so  infatuated,  that  he  loves  the  darkness.  How  strange 
for  men  to  love  that  which  will  end  in  tlieir  ruin,  and  despise 
tliat  which  would  secure  their  salvation  ! 

Under  Satan,  the  prince  of  darkness.     The  world  is  divided 

between  two  potentates  ;  Christ,  the  Prince  of  light,  and  Satan, 

the  prince  of  darkness.     Christ  has  his  throne,  and  Satan  has 

his  ;  Christ  has  his  subjects,  and  Satan  has  his.     O  how  de- 

25 


290  THE    KNOWLEDGE    OF    CIIKIST'S    DISCIPLES. 

grading  for  a  rational,  intelligent,  accountable,  immortal  being, 
to  be  voluntarily  engaged  in  the  service  of  one  who  is  seek- 
ing his  eternal  ruin ! 

Beneath  God's  wrath,  the  fruit  of  darkness.  "  He  that 
believeth  not,  is  condemned  already  ;  and  the  wrath  of  God 
abideth  on  liim ;"  and  there  it  will  abide  till  the  light  of 
divine  grace  dawns  on  the  soul.  O  awful  thought !  how 
many  thousands  are  on  the  borders  of  the  grave,  and  yet 
under  the  wrath  of  God  ! 

Exposed  to  hell,  the  place  of  darkness.  The  regions  of 
the  lost  are  designated  "  outer  darkness."  There  is  the 
darkness  of  misery  without  one  particle  of  happiness  —  the 
darkness  of  despair  without  one  ray  of  hope  —  the  darkness 
of  sorrow  without  one  glimmer  of  joy.  How  thankful  should 
we  be  for  the  light  of  the  Gospel  —  and  how  anxious  to  obtain 
the  light  of  the  Spirit ! 


SEPTEMBEK    23. 

THE  KNOWLEDGE  OF  CHRIST'S  DISCIPLES. 

"  Now  they  have  taiown  that  all  things  whatsoever  thou  hast  given  me  are  of  thee." 
John  xvii.  7. 

In  these  words  two  subjects  are  presented  for  our  consid- 
eration. 

The  things  to  which  our  Saviour  refers.  What 
were  the  things  he  received  from  the  Father?  Appointment 
to  his  office.  He  was  appointed  to  fulfil  his  three-fold  office 
of  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King,  to  remove  our  ignorance,  atone 
for  our  sins,  and  subdue  our  corruptions.  Qualifications  for 
his  work.  See  Isa.  Ixi.  1.  The  Spirit  was  not  given  to  him 
by  measure,  but  descended  on  him  in  a  copious  effusion.  The 
doctrines  he  taught.  He  said  to  the  Jews,  "  My  doctrine  is 
not  mine,  but  his  that  sent  me  :  "  it  was  not  his  in  the  capacity 
of  Mediator,  but  it  was  his  as  one  with  God.  The  dominion 
he  possessed.  This  was  from  God.  The  Father  is  said  to 
give  him  power  over  all  flesh.     But  let  us  now  glance  at 

The  knowledge  which  his  disciples  attained. 
They  knew  these  things  so  as  to  be  fully  convinced  of  his 
true  Messiahship.  But  how  did  they  know  them  ?  Bi/  the 
innocence  of  his  life.  "  He  did  no  sin."  His  life  w  as  a  per- 
fect transcript  of  the  Divine  law  —  a  personification  of  vir- 
tue—  holiness  embodied  and  alive.    As  the  sunbeam  remains 


Paul's  estimate.  291 

uncontaminated  on  whatever  objects  it  shines,  so  did  the  Sun 
of  righteousness  run  liis  course  in  our  world  pure  and  un- 
spotted  thougli  he  often  came  in  contact  with  human  impurity 
and  dehleraent.     By  the  purity  of  his  doctrine.     It  was  in 
accordance  with  the  hiw  of  God,   that  eternal  rule  of  right- 
eousness.   Ly  the  miracles  he  performed-    By  these  the  truth  of 
Jus  doctrine  was  established  :  they  were  his  divine  credentials. 
Jiy  spiritual  illumination.     When   Peter  said,    "  Thou  art 
the   Christ,  the   Son  of  the  living   God,"  Jesus    answered, 
Blessed  art  thou,  Simon  Bar-jona;  for  flesh  and  blood  hath 
not  revealed  It  unto  thee,  but  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven." 
Ihus  all  believers  know  Christ,  and  this  spiritual  illumination 
may  exist  in  the  minds  of  those  who  are  fools  with  ro-ard  to 
human  learning.     One   drop   of  experimental  knowled-e  is 
worth  an  ocean  of  mere  theoretical  knowledge.     An  astrono- 
mer was  once  viewing  the  heavens  with  a  telescope,  and  lec- 
turing on  some  of  the  planets,  when  an  unlettered  clown  who 
was  present  said  to   his  companion,  "  Let  him  spy  what  he 
p  eases,   we  are  as   near  to  heaven  as    he  is,  with   all   his 
gla.^ses;;    so  may  the  unlearned   Christian  say,  though  he 
cannot  discourse  on  deep  and  learned  questions. 


SEPTEMBER    24. 

PAUL'S  ESTIMATE. 

"  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  those  I  counted  loss  for  Christ."  —  Phil.  ill.  7. 

What  an  extraordinary  character  was  the  Apostle  Paul' 
He  was  remarkable  before  his  conversion,  in  his  mali-nant 
etlorts  against  Christ ;  in  his  conversion,  in  the  wonderful 
manner  in  which  he  was  brought  to  Christ ;  and  after  his 
conversion,  in  his  unwearied  exertions  for  Christ.  'Notice 
here 

Ilrs  FORMEu  gain.  AVliat  things  were  gain  to  him?  Hi^ 
early  Tites.  ''  Circumcised  the  eighth  day."  The  Jews  at- 
tached great  importance  to  this ;  but  the  most  of  them  for^rot 
that  circumcision  waa  of  the  heart.  His  honorable  descent. 
Of  the  stock  of  Israel,"  &c.  How  often  did  the  Jews  cry 
out  "  We  be  Abraham's  seed !  "  This  was  having  confidence 
in  the  tlesh.^  His  extensive  learning.  "  As  touching  the  law, 
a  Pliarisee.       He  was  well  versed  in  the  various  branches  of 


292  PAUL'S    ESTIMATE. 

learning  and  knowledge,  brought  up  at  the  feet  of  Gamaliel. 
His  party  zeal.  "  Concerning  zeal,  persecuting  the  Church." 
To  what  awful  lengths  did  his  blind,  misguided  zeal  carry 
him  !  His  self-rigJiteousness.  "  Touching  the  righteousness 
which  is  in  the  law,  blameless."  The  religion  of  the  Scribes 
and  Pharisees  consisted  merely  in  their  rigid  attention  to 
external  forms.     Now  turn  to  the  other  side,  and  consider 

His  present  estimate.  "  But  what  things  were  gain 
to  me,  those  I  counted  loss  for  Christ."  Thus  we  see  Paul, 
instead  of  being  a  loser,  was  an  infinite  gainer,  by  the  ex- 
change he  made.  It  was  ''  for  Christ "  he  did  it.  He  had 
an  ample,  yea,  infinite  compensation.  He  was  the  subject  of 
more  distinguished  privileges.  Born  again  of  the  Spirit,  ren- 
ovated in  his  soul,  made  a  child  of  God,  and  an  heir  of  glory. 
He  was  honored  with  a  higher  relationship.  Descended  from 
the  Father  of  lights ;  a  son  of  God,  adopted  into  the  royal 
family  of  heaven.  He  was  possessed  of  a  more  excellent 
knowledge.  He  learned  better  lessons  at  the  feet  of  Jesus  than 
he  ever  did  at  the  feet  of  Gamaliel :  "  Yea,  doubtless,"  says 
he,  "  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss,  for  the  excellency  of  the 
knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord."  He  was  zealous  in  a 
nobler  cause.  The  cause  of  Christ,  which  is  Divine  in  its 
origin,  glorious  in  its  nature,  and  triumphant  in  its  issue.  He 
who  once  breathed  out  threatenings  against  it,  now  breathes 
love  to  it.  He  ivas  interested  in  a  better  righteousness.  The 
righteousness  of  Christ,  in  which  the  law  can  find  no  blemish, 
and  justice  no  stain.  Oh  to  know  Christ  so  as  to  rejoice  in 
him,  and  have  no  confidence  in  the  flesh  !  All  other  systems 
of  happiness  are  like  the  moonbeams  on  the  waters,  bright, 
but  unsteady ;  sjiai'kling,  but  broken,  and  soon  gone  ;  but  the 
Gospel  remains  like  the  glorious  sun,  still  shining  in  his 
strength,  diffusing  light  and  heat. 

"  Yes,  and  I  must  and  will  esteem 

AU  things  but  loss  for  Jesus'  sake  j 
Oh  !  may  my  soul  be  found  in  him, 
And  of'his  righteousness  partake !  " 


THE    CHABACTEli    OF   THE    LAW.  293 

SEPTEMBER    25. 

THE  CHARACTER  OF  THE  LAW. 

•^  But  we  knoTV  that  the  law  is  good,  if  a  man  use  it  lawfully."—!  Tim.  i.  8. 

Here  are  two  topics  worthy  of  our  close  attention  ;  one  of 
wliich  we  shall  consider  in  this,  and  the  other  in  the  next  ex- 
ercise.    Here  is 

A  TRUTH  AFFIRMED.  «  The  law  is  good."  It  is  so 
^  l7i  its  Author.  It  is  framed  by  Him  who  is  essentially  good 
in  his  character,  perfections,  and  works.  Nothing  of  a  con- 
trary nature  could  emanate  from  Him  who  is  the  source  of  all 
perfection,  and  the  fountain  of  all  goodness.  There  is  an  au- 
tJiority  stamped  upon  it  by  the  Almighty  himself. 

In  its  matter.  The  things  it  contains  are  of  no  common  in- 
terest or  travial  imix)rtance.  They  are  subjects  involving  our 
well-being  here,  and  our  happiness  hereafter.  It  is  adjust 
remark,  that,  however  disputants  may  marshal  one  part  of 
Divme  truth  against  another,  the  glorious  doctrines  of  Chris- 
tianity, like  stones  in  a  compact  edifice,  are  firmly  united  to- 
gether—men  may  disagree  in  sentiment,  but  they  cannot 
destroy  the  unity  of  the  truth. 

_  In  its  use.  It  excites  and  quickens  us  in  duty  against  our 
mward  corruptions ;  makes  a  discovery  of  the  deceitfulness 
and  depravity  of  the  human  heart.  "  By  the  law  is  the 
knowledge  of  sin."  It  drives  us  out  of  our  own  pretended 
righteousness,  to  rest  on  Christ's  atoning  sacrifice.  "  The  law 
was  our  schoolmaster  to  bring  us  to  Christ."  This  is  its  end : 
to  lead  us  to  look  to  Jesus  and  believe  on  him,  that  we  may 
be  saved,  as  the  Israelites,  stung  with  the  serpent,  looked  on 
the  brazen  serpent  erected  by  Moses,  and  were  healed.  How 
great  are  our  privileges,  having  both  the  law  and  the  Gospel ! 
1  he  one  to  show  us  our  malady,  the  other  to  point  us  to  the 
remedy ;  the  one  to  alarm,  the  other  to  comfort ;  the  one  to 
probe  the  wound,  the  other  to  apply  the  healing  balm. 

"  Tlie  l:nv  discovers  guilt  and  sin, 
And  shows  liow  vile  our  hearts  have  been : 
Only  the  Gospel  can  express 
Forgiving  love  and  cleansing  gi-ace." 

25* 


294  THE   PROPEK    U^    OF    THE    LAW. 

SEPTEMBER    26. 

THE  PROPER  USE  OF  THE  LAW. 

•'  But  we  know  that  the  law  is  good,  if  a  man  use  it  lawfully."—!  Tim.  i.  8. 

We  have  already  noticed  the  truth  affirmed  in  the  text. 
Let  us  now  allude  to 

The  case  supposed.  "  If  a  man  use  it  lawfully."  This 
implies  the  possil^ility  of  abuse.  For  the  further  elucidation 
of  this  passage,  let  us  make  two  inquiries. 

When  is  it  used  unlawfully/  ?  When  it  is  turned  to  unprof- 
itable disputes.  How  much  time  has  been  lost  in  controversy 
on  religious  subjects,  and  how  much  ill-temper  manifested  by 
those  who  profess  to  contend  for  the  Gospel  of  the  meek  and 
lowly  Jesus !  When  it  is  opposed  to  Christ.  This  was  the 
great  error  of  the  Jews  ;  they  could  not  look  to  the  end  of 
that  which  was  abolished,  because  their  minds  were  blinded. 
In  their  zeal  in  defending  the  outworks  of  Christianity,  how 
many  have  lived  and  died  without  entering  into  the  building 
of  Christian  experience  !  When  justification  is  taught  by  it. 
The  Apostle  had  to  contend  with  false  teachers,  who  propa- 
gated this  doctrine.  This  is  the  inbred  canker-worm,  that 
possesses  the  heart  of  every  man  in  his  natural  state.  How 
fearful  is  this  abuse  of  the  law !  how  dangerous  its  tendencies 
and  results !  It  overthrows  the  very  nature  of  the  Gospel, 
Gal.  iii.  18.  It  discoui'ages  the  penitent  sinner  ;  it  prevents 
him  enjoying  the  blessings  of  grace ;  and  keeps  him  in  bond- 
age. . 

When  is  it  used  lawfidly  ?  When  it  is  regarded  as  a  mir- 
ror to  discover  sin,  as  a  servant  to  lead  us  to  the  Gospel,  and 
as  a  rule  to  direct  us  in  duty.  In  this  sense  believers  are 
under  the  law :  though  liberated  from  its  condemning  power, 
we  are  not  freed  from  obligation  to  it.  The  law  sends  us  to 
the  Gospel  for  comfort ;  the  Gospel  sends  us  to  the  law  for 
direction.  May  we  have  grace  given  us  to  comply  with  the 
terms  of  the  Gospel,  and  obey  the  dictates  of  the  law  !  Let  us 
pray  that  the  Spirit  may  lead  us  into  all  truth  ;  that,  while  the 
law  is  written  in  our  hearts,  the  Gospel  may  be  sweet  to  our 
souls. 

"  My  soul,  no  more  attempt  to  draw 
Tby  life  and  comfort  from  the  law ; 
Fly  to  the  hope  the  Gospel  gives  ; 
The  man  that  trusts  the  promise  lives." 


THE    KINDNESS    OF    GOD    TO    MAN.  295 

SEPTEMBER    27. 

THE  KINDNESS  OF  GOD  TO  MAN. 

"  What  is  man  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him  ?  ■' — Psahn  viii.  4. 

David  uttered  these  words  when  he  had  been  contemplat- 
ing the  wisdom  and  power  of  God  as  displayed  in  the  starry 
heavens.     Let  us  glance  at  two  things  here. 

The  CONDITION  of  man.  View  him  in  his  past,  present, 
and  future*  state  ;  or  what  he  was,  what  he  is,  and  what  he 
shall  be.     View  him 

In  his  j)asi  condition.  What  was  he  ?  Created  by  the  Di- 
vine Being  in  his  own  image,  a  noble  creature,  the  master- 
piece of  the  great  Creator.  God  made  man  upright,  the  pos- 
sessor of  innocence,  the  object  of  the  Divine  favor,  holding 
communion  vd\\i  God,  the  lord  of  the  creation,  exercising 
dominion  over  all  the  creatures. 

Ill  his  present  state.  What  is  he  ?  Very  different  from 
what  he  was  when  he  came  forth  from  the  hands  of  his  Ma- 
ker. Here  is  a  dark  cloud  over  a  bright  scene.  The  work- 
manship is  marred,  the  image  is  defaced.  There  is  no 
movement  for  God  —  all  is  disorganized,  like  a  broken  watch, 
whose  wheels  lie  scattered  here  and  there,  and  whose  spring 
ceases  to  work.  Come  and  drop  a  tear  over  the  ruins  of  that 
which  was  once  so  lovely  and  beautiful.  What  is  man  ?  The 
dupe  of  Satan,  the  servant  of  sin,  the  child  of  hell,  a  rebel  to 
his  God,  an  enemy  to  himself,  the  victim  of  death ;  guilty, 
depraved,  fallen,  polluted,  miserable,  and  wretched. 

In  his  future  destinies.  What  shall  he  be  ?  The  body 
shall  crumble  into  dust,  and  be  the  food  of  worms ;  but  the 
soul,  the  nobler  part,  the  thinking  princiide,  can  never  cease 
to  exist :  man  is  destined  to  live  forever.  There  is  the  great 
alternative  of  endless  happiness  or  woe. 

The  KINDNESS  OF  God.     "  Thou  art  mindful  of  him." 

All  are  under  the  government  of  his  Providence.  Thus  his 
kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 

Many  are  under  the  light  of  his  gospel.  Let  us  be  thank- 
ful that  he  is  thus  mindful  of  us  ;  and  pray  that  his  name  may 
be  known  upon  earth,  his  saving  health  among  all  nations. 

Some  are  the  siilnrcts  of  his  grace.  Of  them  he  is  pecu- 
liarly mindful ;  4ie«was  mindful  of  them  in  his  divine  choice, 
in  efrectual  calling,  in  their  conviction  and  conversion.  Pie  is 
mindful  of  them  in  the  communication  of  his  grace,  the  to- 
kens of  his  love,  and  the  manifestations  of  his  Spirit.  Let  us 
never  forget  Him  who  has  been  so  mindiiil  of  us. 


^96  THE   LIGHT    OF     GRACE. 

SEPTEMBER    28. 

THE  LIGHT  OF  GRACE. 

"  But  now  are  ye  light  in  the  Lord."  —  Eph.  v.  8. 

What  an  amazing  contrast  is  there  between  a  state  of  na- 
ture and  a  state  of  grace  !  They  are  described  in  Scripture  by 
things  the  most  opposite  —  bondage  and  liberty  ;  enmity  and 
peace  ;  death  and  life  ;  light  and  darkness.  For  ye  were 
sometime  dai'kness  ;  but  now  are  ye  light  in  the  Lord. 

A  STATE   OF  GRACE  IS    A    STATE    OF    LIGHT.       Here  is 

The  light  of  knowledge.  Ignorance  is  compared  to  dark- 
ness, and  knowledge  to  light.  The  Spirit  commences  his  gra- 
cious work  in  the  soul  by  the  renewing  of  the  mind.  "  But 
now  are  ye  light  in  the  Lord ;"  that  is,  now  you  have  received 
Christ,  and  are  made  partakers  of  his  grace  and  Spirit.  This 
knowledge  is  divine  in  its  source  :  they  are  light  "  in  the  Lord." 
It  is  excellent  in  its  character,  progressive  in  its  nature,  and 
delightful  in  its  influence. 

The  light  of  holiness.  Light  is  often  used  as  an  emblem 
of  purity.  God  is  designated  light,  in  this  respect,  as  a  God 
of  spotless  holiness.  Heaven  as  a  holy  place  is  called  "  the 
inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light."  The  Christian  is  adorned 
and  enriched  with  the  principles  of  holiness,  and  the  light 
shines  in  his  soul  with  such  glorious  lustre  and  transparent 
splendor,  that  it  sheds  abroad  its  beams  in  the  life. 

The  light  of  God's  countenance.  This  intimates  the  fa- 
vor of  the  Almighty.  Light  and  joy  are  spoken  of  as  synony- 
mous terms.  "  Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous,  and  gladness 
for  the  upright  in  heart."  His  favor  is  life,  spiritual  and 
eternal,  the  life  of  grace  and  glory.  What  flashes  of  light 
have  some  eminent  saints  been  favored  with,  even  in  the  dark 
valley  of  death  !  Such  soul-transfigurations,  says  one,  resem- 
ble the  white  wing  of  the  sea-bii-d,  gleaming  through  the  mist 
and  spray,  against  the  storm-cloud,  as  she  veers  homeward  to 
her  rock  :  they  are  like  the  glory  on  earth  of  some  minister- 
ing cherub,  suddenly  unveiled  in  the  moment  of  its  return  to 
heaven. 

The  light  of  heaven.  Heaven  is  often  spoken  of  as  a  place 
of  light.  Rev.  xxi.  23.  There  will  be  light  without  any 
mixture  of  darkness  —  there  shall  be  notgfet  there  ;  the  sun 
shall  always  be  at  its  noon-tide  splendor  and  glory.  May  I 
have  the  light  of  knowledge  in  the  head,  the  light  of  grace  in 
the  heart,  the  light  of  hoUness  in  the  life,  the  light  of  God's 
favor  in  death,  and  the  liglit  of  glory  in  heaven  ! 


THE    EFFECT    OF   PlIILIP'S    mEACIIING.  297 

SEPTEMBER  29. 

THE   NATURE   AND    EFFECT    OF    PHILIP'S 
PREACHING. 

"  Then  Philip  went  down  to  the  city  of  Samaria,  and  preached  Christ  unto  thorn  ; 
and  the  people  with  one  accord  gave  heed  unto  those  things  which  Pliilip  spake." 
Acts  viii.  5,  6. 

As  it  is  with  an  arch,  the  more  weight  and  pressure  there 
is  upon  it,  the  firmer  it  cements  and  unites  together  ;  and  as 
it  was  with  the  Israelites,  the  more  they  were  afflicted  the 
more  they  grew,  so  it  has  been  with  the  Church  of  God  in 
all  ages  ;  Christianity  was  rocked  in  tlie  tempest,  and  cradled 
in  the  storm.  In  the  context  we  have  an  instance  of  this,  in 
the  persecution  that  arose  about  Stephen.  Let  us  make  two 
inquiries  from  the  passage  before  us. 

What  is  it  to  preach  Christ?  It  is  to  exhibit  him 
as  —  The  consummation  of  Jewish  types.  The  ancient  temple 
with  its  bleeding  victims,  smoking  incense,  and  imposing  cer- 
emonies, conducted  by  a  succession  of  the  holy  priestliood, 
prefigured  the  Gospel  dispensation,  under  which  was  offered 
one  grand  atoning  sacrifice.  The  great  and  all-snjficient 
Saviour.  Under  this  cliaractcr  God  promised  liim,  patriarchs 
saw  him,  prophets  predicted  him,  types  prefigured  him,  apos- 
tles proclaimed  him,  and  we  preach  him.  The  fountain  of 
life.  From  this  fountain  issue  the  refi'eshing  streams  of  spir- 
itual blessings,  which  impart  life  to  the  soul,  and  joy  to  the 
heart.  The  JRestorcr  of  peace.  This  implies  that  discord 
once  existed :  of  this,  sin  was  the  cause,  and  Divine  anger 
the  effect ;  but  Jesus  is  our  IMediator,  who  by  his  blood  has 
ratified  peace  in  heaven,  and  by  his  Spirit  confers  peace  on 
earth.  The  Author  of  salvation.  Salvation  is  a  joyful 
sound  to  the  ear,  and  a  rich  blessing  in  the  soul ;  we  must 
ever  bear  in  mind  that  Christ  is  the  object,  the  Author,  and 
the  consummation  of  it. 

IIOAV    SHOULD    SUCH    PREACHING     BK    RECEIVED?        "We 

are  here  told  that  the  people  with  one  accord  gave  heed  unto 
those  things  which  Pliilip  spake.  Here  is  a  pattern  for  us. 
The  Gospel  should  be  heard  with  attention,  candor,  prayer, 
self-application,  and  a  desire  to  reduce  its  truths  to  practice. 
In  a  spiritual  sense  we  are  to  make  the  sanctuary  a  house  of 
merchandise  ;  we  trade  for  rich  peai-ls,  and  we  are  to  attend 
ordinances  as  the  merchant  that  sails  from  port  to  port,  not  to 
see  places,  but  to  take  in  his  lading. 


298  THE    DISINTERESTEDNESS    OF    PAUL. 

SEPTEMBER    30. 

THE   DISINTERESTEDNESS   OF   PAUL. 

"  Not  seeking  mine  own  profit,  but  the  profit  of  many,  that  they  may  be  saved." 
1  Cor.  X.  33. 

What  a  striking  example  of  Christian  philanthropy  we 
have  in  the  life,  labors,  privations,  and  sufferings  of  Paul !  In 
every  view  we  take  of  him,  we  must  admire  him,  whether  we 
consider  him  as  a  man,  a  Christian,  a  minister,  or  an  apostle. 
The  text  shows  the  spirit  he  had  imbibed. 

A  NOBLE  OBJECT  AVOWED.     Observe 

Its  important  nature.  "  That  they  may  be  saved."  He 
sought  their  spiritual  more  than  their  temporal  welfare ;  he 
wished  nothing  less  than  their  eternal  salvation,  their  deliver- 
ance from  all  evil,  and  enjoyment  of  every  good.  0,  how  noble 
was  this  object !  how  rational,  how  desirable,  how  divine  ! 

Its  general  extent.  "  The  profit  of  many."  Christian  phi- 
lanthropy knows  no  bounds,  but  the  extent  of  human  woe. 
It  not  only  leads  to  earnest  desires  and  efforts  for  the  salva- 
tion of  a  few,  the  inmates  of  a  house,  or  the  inhabitants  of  a 
neighborhood,  but  it  embraces  the  whole  world  in  the  arms  of 
its  affection  and  desires.  The  wishes  of  Paul  were  like  the 
prayers  of  the  son  of  Jesse,  that  the  whole  earth  might  be 
filled  with  God's  glory.  "  True  Christian  benevolence,"  says 
Wilberforce,  "  contracts  itself  to  the  measure  of  the  smallest, 
and  can  expand  itself  to  the  amplitude  of  the  largest.  It  re- 
sembles majestic  rivers  which  are  poured  from  an  unfailing 
source  ;  silent  and  peaceful  in  their  outset,  they  begin  with 
dispensing  beauty  and  comfort  to  every  cottage  by  which  they 
pass  ;  in  their  further  progress  they  fertilize  provinces  and  en- 
rich kingdoms  ;  at  length  they  pour  themselves  into  the  ocean, 
where,  changing  their  names,  but  not  their  nature,  they  visit 
distant  nations  and  other  hemispheres,  and  spread  throughout 
the  world  the  expansive  tide  of  their  benevolence." 

Self-interest  disclaimed.  "Not  seeking  mine  own 
profit."  We  have  only  to  review  his  life  to  see  the  truth  of 
his  statement.  He  did  not  seek  temporal  emolument.  How 
well  could  he  say,  "  I  seek  not  yours,  but  you  "  !  Hear  him 
appealing  to  the  elders  at  Ephesus  in  his  farewell  address, 
Acts  XX.  33,  34.  He  did  not  court  human  applause.  He 
desired  above  all  things  to  be  great  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord. 
He  did  not  consult  worldly  ease.  He  gave  up  his  temporal 
prospects  in  life,  and  was  willing  to  count  all  things  loss  for 
Christ.  What  have  been  our  sacrifices  for  Christ?  We 
have  a  noble  example  of  disinterestedness ;  let  us  imitate  it. 


Christ's  sufferings.  299 

OCTOBER   1. 
THE  NATURE  AND  DESIGN  OF  CHRIST'S  SUFFERINGS. 

"  Yet  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him ;  he  hath  put  him  to  grief:  when  thou  shalt 
make  Iiis  soul  an  offering  for  sin,  he  shall  see  his  seed,  he  shall  prolong  his  da3S,  and 
the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  shall  prosper  in  his  hands." — Isa.  liii.  10. 

What  are  we  to  understand  by  such  expressions  as  these  ? 
Is  the  language  applicable  to  one  who  was  only  to  teach  a  sys- 
tem of  morals,  and  die  a  martyr's  death?  The  doctrine  of 
Christ's  substitution  is  clearly  taught  us  here.  Here  are  four 
things  with  respect  to  the  sufierings  of  Christ ;  their  unparal- 
leled severity,  their  important  design,  their  high  sanction,  and 
their  glorious  results. 

Their  unparalleled  severity.  Many  expressions  are 
employed  in  Scripture  to  irajiress  this  on  our  minds.  There 
are  three  in  this  place  ;  he  was  bruised,  put  to  grief,  and  made 
an  offering.     Let  us  divide  his  sufferings  into  two  classes  :  — 

Mental.  How  excruciating  were  these !  It  is  here  said, 
his  soul  was  made  an  offering  for  sin.  Before  he  suffered  in 
his  body,  before  he  was  crowned  with  thorns,  and  pierced  with 
nails,  he  ci*ied  out  in  the  garden,  "  Now  is  my  soul  troubled." 
There  are  three  things  we  should  form  adequate  ideas  of,  be- 
fore we  can  have  any  just  conception  of  our  Saviour's  suffer- 
ings, —  his  spotless  purity  of  soul,  the  accumulated  load  of 
guilt  he  bore,  and  the  mighty  pressure  of  Jehovah's  wrath. 

Bodily.  In  reference  to  his  bodily  sufferings,  it  is  said  he 
was  wounded,  bruized,  stricken,  smitten,  and  afflicted.  Thmk 
of  the  cruel  scourge,  the  thorny  crown,  and  the  accursed  tree. 
He  gave  his  back  to  the  smiters,  and  his  cheeks  to  them  that 
plucked  off  the  hair. 

Their  important  design.  The  end  of  these  sufferings, 
with  regard  to  the  human  race,  may  be  summed  up  in  these 
two  things,  — 

TJie  removal  of  the  greatest  evil.  That  is,  sin.  He  was 
made  an  offering  for  sin.  Here  is  an  allusion  to  the  Jewish 
sacrifices  for  the  expiation  of  sin.  By  his  cross  he  has  made 
an  end  of  sin,  presented  a  full  and  satisfactory  atonement  for  it. 

The  introduction  of  the  greatest  good.  That  is,  salvation. 
All  spiritual  blessings  come  through  him.  Grace  on  earth 
and  glory  in  heaven.  In  all  the  gallery  of  Scripture  paint- 
ing, says  a  living  author,  the  great  central  object,  liowever 
studded  with  stars  of  light,  is  the  Man  of  sorrows  :  this  circum- 
stance, in  connection  with  our  own  sins  and  troubles,  will  ren- 
der plaintive  the  songs  of  Zion,  and  cast  a  melancholy  shadow- 
ing even  over  her  brightest  scenes. 


300  THE    RESULTS    OF    CHRIST'S    SUFFERINGS. 

OCTOBER    2. 

THE  RESULTS  OF  CHRIST'S  SUFFERINGS. 

"  Yet  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him  ;  he  hath  put  him  to  grief:  when  thou  shalt 
make  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin,  he  shall  see  his  seed,  he  shall  prolong  his  days,  and 
the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  shall  prosper  in  his  hand." — Isa.  liii.  10. 

Let  us  now  observe  concerning  the  sufferings  of  Christ, 

Their  high  sanction.  "It  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise 
him."     We  shall  give  four  reasons  for  this. 

Because  it  teas  in  accordance  with  the  Divine  appointment. 
In  the  counsels  of  eternity  it  was  agreed  that  Christ  should  un- 
dertake the  work  of  our  salvation.  There  was  no  constraint ; 
all  was  voluntary  on  his  part. 

Because  it  was  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  Divine  pur- 
poses. The  Father  felt  a  pleasui'e  in  the  fulfilment  of  the  prom- 
ises and  predictions  of  his  word,  as  well  as  the  purposes  of  his 
love,  though  it  was  at  such  a  vast  expense. 

Because  it  was  for  the  satisfaction  of  Divine  justice.  The 
law  of  God  had  been  violated,  and  the  justice  of  God  offend- 
ed ;  reparation  must  be  made  for  the  one,  and  satisfaction 
given  to  the  other.  Both  are  achieved  in  the  atonement  of 
Christ. 

Because  it  was  for  the  display  of  the  Divine  attributes.  The 
perfections  of  God  are  seen  in  all  his  works,  but  they  are  mani- 
fested in  the  most  glorious  manner  in  the  cross  of  Christ. 
There  is  no  abrupt  edge,  no  sudden  line  ;  it  resembles  the 
natural  tint  of  undecomposed  sunlight,  where  all  is  seen 
equally  and  fully.  Each  divine  attribute  shines  with  equal 
splendor. 

Their  glorious  results.     Three  are  here  stated: 

Length  of  days.  "He  shall  prolong  his  days."  He  was 
cut  off  out  of  the  land  of  the  living ;  but  the  prophet  refers 
to  his  life  after  his  resurrection. 

A  numerous  offspring.  "  He  shall  see  his  seed."  The 
word  in  the  Hebrew  is  plural,  "  seeds."  This  intimates  the 
greatness  of  the  number.  "  A  seed  shall  serve  him."  He 
shall  always,  while  the  world  stands,  have  a  peculiar  people  in 
it,  to  show  forth  his  praises. 

Complete  success.  "And  the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  shall 
prosper  in  his  hand."  Observe  the  fact  implied.  Human 
redemption  is  the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  —  a  work  in  which 
God  delights.  The  appointment  made.  This  work  is  in  the 
Redeemer's  hand.  The  success  insured.  It  shall  prosper. 
May  the  glorious  designs  of  the  Saviour's  atonement  be  ac- 
complished in  my  heart ! 


GOD    OUK    LIGHT    AND    SALVATION.  301 

OCTOBER    3. 

GOD  OUR  LIGHT  AND  SALVATION. 

"  The  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation  ;  whom  shall  I  fear  ?"  —  Psalm  xxvii.  1. 

This  verse  is  like  the  bursting  forth  of  the  sun  amidst  dark 
and  watery  clouds.  David  refers  to  his  trials,  but  expresses 
his  confidence  in  God.  How  valuable  is  religion !  As  the 
snowdrop  comes  amid  snow  and  sleet,  appearing  as  the  herald 
of  the  rose,  and  the  harbinger  of  summer,  so  religion  comes 
amid  the  blight  of  affliction,  to  remind  us  of  a  perpetual  sum- 
mer, where  the  sun  never  retires  behind  a  wintry  cloud.  Let 
us  contemplate 

The  ciiauacter  of  god.  Many  encouraging  represen- 
tations are  given  of  him  ;  his  characters  are  suited  to  our  wants 
—  here  it  is  twofold. 

He  is  our  light.  Our  natural  state  is  one  of  darkness ;  he 
gives  us  light  by  his  word.  "  Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my 
feet,  and  a  light  unto  my  path."  We  can  have  no  right  and 
proper  views  either  of  God  in  his  character  and  government, 
or  of  ourselves  in  our  duty  and  destinies,  without  the  light  of 
revelation.  AVhat  glorious  discoveries  it  makes !  It  lights 
us  to  the  cross,  the  throne  of  grace  and  heaven.  By  his  Spi- 
rit he  gives  us  light.  He  pours  the  first  rays  of  light  into  the 
mind,  and  gradually  unfolds  to  our  view  the  rich  treasures  of 
truth.  He  gives  us  the  light  of  purity,  peace,  joy,  and  glad- 
ness. 

He  is  our  salvation.  He  is  so  in  tvv'o  senses,  by  accomplish- 
ing temporal  deliverances,  and  imparting  spiritual  blessings. 
He  is  the  salvation  of  the  soul  from  the  commencement  to  tiie 
termination  of  the  work.  He  is  the  source,  object,  author,  and 
end  of  it.  Its  device  is  the  result  of  his  wisdom,  its  accom- 
plishment is  the  work  of  his  Son,  its  ai)plication  is  the  pre- 
rogative of  his  Spirit;  how  inestimable  its  blessinijs,  and  how 
durable  its  privileges  !  Who  would  not  cry,  "  Oli !  visit  mo 
with  thy  salvation"? 

"  Pnrdon  and  peace  through  him  abouml ; 
He  can  the  richest  I)lessiiit!;s  wive  : 
Salvation  in  his  name  is  found  — 
He  bids  the  dying  sinner  live." 


26 


302  CHRISTIAN    CONFIDENCE. 

OCTOBER    4. 

CHRISTIAN   CONFIDENCE. 

"  The  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation  ;  whom  shall  I  fear  ?"  —  Psalm  xxvii.  1. 

True  piety  elevates  its  possessor  in  the  scale  of  being,  ex- 
alts his  feelings,  dignifies  his  character,  and  sanctifies  his  heart. 
It  provides  for  us  a  suitable  relief  in  every  trying  state,  and 
enables  us  to  exult  in  God  as  the  God  of  our  salvation.  Let 
us  notice 

The  confidence  of  the  Christian.  • "  Whom  shall  I 
fear  ?  "  This  is  not  the  language  t)f  vain  presumption,  but 
the  expression  of  Christian  assurance.  Whom  have  we  to 
fear? 

God  ?  He  is  reconciled.  The  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad 
in  the  believer's  heart,  and  the  possession  of  love  softens  the 
feelings  of  fear  ;  shall  we  be  afraid  to  approach  a  reconciled 
Father  ? 

The  law  ?  It  is  satisfied.  Those  who  are  under  the  bond 
of  the  covenant,  need  not  fear  the  curse  of  the  law  ;  its  threat- 
enings  are  averted,  and  the  curse  is  turned  into  a  blessing. 

Satan  f  He  is  conquered.  He  can  go  no  farther  than  the 
length  of  his  chain.  "The  God  of  peace  shall  bruise  Satan 
under  your  feet  shortly." 

Afflictions  ?  They  are  sanctified.  Shall  I  fear  that  which 
comes  from  my  Father,  who  loves  me  ?  Shall  I  fear  that 
which  is  designed  for  my  good  ?  Sliall  I  fear  that  which  is 
sent  to  promote  the  spiritual  benefit  of  my  soul  ?  The  dia- 
mond of  piety  never  sparkles  so  brightly  as  when  the  Chris- 
tian is  surrounded  with  the  darkness  of  affliction. 

Death  ?  It  is  vanquished.  To  the  believer  it  is  only  "  the 
shadow  of  death  : "  there  is  no  substantial  evil  in  it,  —  the 
shadow  of  a  serpent  will  not  sting  ;  the  shadow  of  a  lion  will 
not  devour  ;  and  the  sliadow  of  a  sword  will  not  kill.  Death 
is  only  a  dark  passage  that  leads  to  our  Father's  house.  The 
unbeliever  has  every  thing  to  fear,  God  is  his  enemy,  he  is 
under  the  curse  of  the  law,  led  captive  by  the  devil,  his  afflic- 
tions are  unsanctified,  and  he  is  unprepared  for  death. 

"  God  is  ray  strong  salvation  ; 
What  foe  have  I  to  fear  ? 
In  darkness  and  temptation, 
My  light,  my  help,  is  near." 


THE   NATUUE    OF    CUIUSTIAN    JOY.  303 

OCTOBER    5. 

THE  NATURE  OF  CHRISTIAN  JOY. 

"  These  things  I  speak  in  the  world,  that  they  might  hare  my  joy  fiUfilled  in  them- 
selves."—  John  xvii.  13. 

In  this  verse  our  Lord  assigns  the  reason  why  he  offered 
up  his  intercessory  prayer  in  the  presence  and  heax'ing  of  his 
disciples.     Our  subject  is  Christian  joy.     View 

Its  nature.  It  is  an  inward  elevation  of  soul,  arising 
from  the  lively  exercise  of  faith  in  God  as  our  eternal  portion. 
Let  us  look  at  some  of  the  properties  of  it. 

It  is  a  satisfying  joy.  David  felt  it  so,  and  said,  "  My 
soul  shall  be  satisfied  as  with  marrow  and  fatness."  All  other 
joy  ends  in  dissatisfaction.  "  Even  in  laughter  the  heart  is 
sorrowful,  and  the  end  of  that  mirth  is  heaviness." 

It  is  a  hidden  joy.  The  subject  of  it  is  the  hidden  man 
of  the  heart ;  its  object  is  an  unseen  God ;  its  medium  an 
unseen  Saviour ;  its  end  an  unseen  glory.  Its  real  nature 
and  delightful  influence  are  unseen  to  the  men  of  the  world. 

It  is  a  spit'itual  joy.  It  is  designated  "  joy  in  the  Holy 
Ghost."  Every  thing  connected  with  it  is  spiritual ;  and  very 
different  from  the  elevation  of  the  natural  feelings. 

It  is  an  abiding  joy.  The  sun  of  carnal  mirth  shines 
brightly,  with  a  fixlse  light,  for  a  time,  but  at  death,  sets  in  a 
cloud,  and  is  succeeded  by  the  blackness  and  darkness  of  eter- 
nal despair ;  but  that  of  spiritual  joy  is  only  irradiated  by  the 
darkness  of  death,  and  rises  in  brigliter  effulgence  and  un- 
mingled  splendor  in  the  day  of  eternity,  never  more  to  be 
obscured. 

It  is  an  unspeakable  joy.  1  Pet.  i.  8.  Personal  experi- 
ence can  give  the  best  illustration  of  it;  and  it  affirms  that 
wisdom's  ways  are  ways  of  jjleasantness,  and  all  Iier  paths 
arc  peace.  These  periods  of  joy,  says  one,  are  among  the 
brightest  spots  in  our  life  —  they  are  sparkles  whicli  fall  from 
heaven's  altar  —  they  arc  lotus  flowers  in  the  wilderness, 
whose  blossom-cups  are  full  of  dew  —  they  are  birds  of  para- 
dise, that  glance  by  on  starry  plume  —  they  are  winged  honey, 
carrying  only  this  one  sting,  that  they  make  everything  else 
tasteless. 

"  How  happy  is  the  Christian's  state  ! 
His  sins  are  sill  forgiven  ; 
A  cheering  ray  conliniis  the  grace, 
And  lifts  his  hopes  to  heaven." 


304  THE    FULNESS    OF    CHRISTIAN   JOY. 

OCTOBER    6. 

THE  FULNESS  OF  CHRISTIAN  JOY. 

"  These  things  I  speak  m  the  world,  that  they  might  have  my  joy  fulfilled  in  them- 
selves."—  John  xvii.  13. 

Let  us  now  proceed  to  consider 

The  PECULIARITY  OF  THIS  JOY.  "  My  joy."  Why  is  it 
called  the  Saviour's  joy  ?  Because  he  is  the  object  of  it.  Ev- 
erything connected  with  him  demands  our  joy ;  —  his  person, 
work,  offices,  glories,  excellences,  blessings,  and  inexhaustible 
fulness.  Because  he  is  the  revealer  of  it.  He  reveals  the 
true  nature  of  joy  ;  unfolds  in  his  Gospel  its  delightful  effects  ; 
and  points  to  the  source  whence  alone  it  can  be  obtained.  Be- 
cause he  is  the  purchaser  of  it.  Sin  caused  a  separation  be- 
tween us  and  the  great  spring  of  joy  ;  Christ  by  his  media- 
tion brings  us  near  again  ;  "  We  joy  in  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ."  Because  he  is  the  giver  of  it.  He  imparts  it 
by  his  Spirit.  Thus,  if  he  reveals  it  as  a  Prophet,  and  pur- 
chases it  as  a  Priest,  he  confers  it  as  a  King.  It  resembles 
his  oivn  joy.  This  is  the  case  in  kind,  not  in  degree  —  Eev. 
iii.  21.  Believers  are  said  to  obtain  the  glory  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

The  fulness  of  this  joy.  "  These  things  I  speak  in 
the  world,  that  they  might  have  my  joy  fulfilled  in  them- 
selves ;  "  that  is,  I  have  uttered  these  petitions  in  the  presence 
of  my  disciples,  thereby  giving  them  a  specimen  of  my  inter- 
cession above,  that  they  might  possess  an  abundance  of  spirit- 
ual joy,  Avhen  they  see  the  deep  and  lively  interest  I  take  in 
their  welfare.  Christ's  ascension  and  intercession  are  calcu- 
lated to  inspire  believers  with  joy.  Because  they  give  assur- 
ance of  the  descent  of  the  Spirit.  The  promise  of  the  Spirit  is 
given  now,  and  fulfilled  in  answer  to  Christ's  intercession. 
Because  they  afford  evidence  of  the  completion  of  salvation. 
He  arose  again  for  our  justification.  This  proved  that  justice 
was  satisfied,  and  the  requirements  of  the  law  answered.  Be- 
catise  they  guarantee  our  acceptance  with  God — Rom.  viii. 
34.  In  him  and  by  his  powerful  advocacy,  our  persons,  ser- 
vices, and  prayers  are  accepted.  Should  not  this  fulfil  our 
joy?  What  cause  for  joy  has  the  true  believer!  If  he  has 
a  false  accuser,  he  has  a  powerful  Intercessor.  His  joy  shall 
be  completely  fulfilled  in  that  world  where  sorrow  shall  be 
forever  unknown. 


THE    GOSPEL    MYSTERY.  30o 

OCTOBER   7. 

THE  GOSPEL  MYSTERY. 

"  The  mystery  of  the  Gospel."  —  Eph.  vl.  19. 

Paul,  feeling  the  arduous  and  trying  nature  of  tlie  sacred 
office,  desired  an  interest  in  the  prayers  of  his  fellow- Christ- 
ians, that  he  might  open  his  mouth  boldly,  to  make  known  the 
mystery  of  the  Gospel.  Why  is  the  Gospel  called  a  mystery  ? 

Because  it  was  hid  in  God  before  the  would  be- 
gan. See  Eph.  iii.  9.  Before  the  day-spring  knew  its  place, 
he  appointed  his  only-begotten  Sou  to  be  the  propitiation  for 
the  sins  of  his  people.  Through  intense  application  and  study, 
many  secrets  in  the  world  of  nature  have  been  discovered  ;  but 
it  never  would  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  men  or  angels, 
that  God  should  be  manifest  in  the  Hesh. 

Because,  when  it  is  revealed,  many  of  its  doc- 
trines ARE  incomprehensible.  They  must  be  received 
in  faith,  though  not  comprehended  by  reason.  To  make  rev- 
elation bow  to  the  shrine  of  reason,  would  be  as  preposterous 
as  to  make  the  glorious  sun  acknowledge  his  inferiority  to  a 
glimmering  taper  ;  the  vast  ocean,  its  smallness  to  a  drop  of 
water  ;  or  the  great  globe,  its  insignificance  to  a  grain  of  sand. 

The  gradual  revelation  of  the  Gospel  is  a  mys- 
tery. The  sun  of  righteousness  arose  even  in  Paradise,  but 
thousands  of  years  elapsed  ere  it  reached  its  meridian  splen- 
dor. Shortly  after  the  ftill,  the  Gospel  was  revealed  to  Adam, 
in  the  first  promise  ;  then  to  Abraham.  Jacob,  by  the  light 
of  prophecy,  beheld  its  glory  ;  its  nature  and  excellence  were 
typified  in  Jewish  sacrifices  and  ceremonies  ;  the  long  train 
of  prophets  testified  beforehand  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and 
the  glory  that  should  follow  ;  but  in  the  New  Testament  we 
have  tlie  full  blaze  of  Gospel  day. 

The  external  revelation  of  the  Gospel  to  so  few 
of  mankind  is  a  mystery.  Before  the  flood,  the  revealed 
will  of  God  was  confined  to  the  family  of  Noah.  After  that 
period,  the  families  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob  only,  were 
privileged  with  it ;  for  hundreds  of  years  it  was  confined  to 
a  little  spot  in  Canaan.  "In  JTudah  was  God  known,  his 
name  was  great  in  Israel."  At  this  present  time,  the  gen- 
erality of  mankind  are  walking  in  darkness,  they  have  no 
vision,  and  where  there  is  no  vision  the  people  perish. 

The  saving  revelation  of  the  Gospel  to  so  few 
26* 


306  THE  minister's  duty. 

OF  MANKIND  IS  A  MYSTERY.  Of  those  wlio  bear,  how  few 
know  the  joyful  sound  !  "  Many  are  called,  but  few  chosen." 
To  some  the  word  preached  is  a  savor  of  death  unto  death. 
Let  us  be  thankful  if  it  has  i-evived  our  dead  souls  ;  and  wait 
for  the  liffht  of  heaven  to  reveal  what  is  dark  on  earth. 


OCTOBER   8. 

THE  MINISTER'S   DUTY. 

"  Prayiug  for  me  that  utterance  may  be  given  unto  mo,  that  I  may  open  my  mouth 
boldly,  to  make  known  the  mystery  of  the  Gosi^el." — Eph.  \i.  19. 

How  should  the  mystery  of  the  Gospel  be  made  known  ? 

Fully.  We  must  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God.  Its 
leading  doctrines  must  be  frequently  exhibited ;  such  as  the 
universal  depravity  of  mankind ;  the  love  of  God  as  the  mov- 
ing cause  of  our  salvation  ;  the  death  of  Christ  as  the  merito- 
rious cause;  and  the  work  of  the  Spirit  as  the  efficacious 
cause.  The  law  must  be  preached  subservient  to  the  Gos- 
pel. These  two,  though  distinct,  are  not  opposite.  They  are 
like  the  seemingly  opposite  perfections  of  their  glorious  Au- 
thor, they  harmonize  in  mutual  subserviency  in  the  Christian 
system.     The  mystery  of  the  Gospel  is  to  be  made  known 

Plainly.  It  requires  all  our  learning,  says  Archbishop 
Usher,  to  make  things  plain.  Godly  simplicity  is  the  alche- 
my that  converts  every  thing  it  touches  into  gold.  Ministers 
are  compared  to  flying  eagles ;  but  they  must  not  use  their 
wings  to  fly  over  the  heads  of  the  people.  They  are  ambas- 
sadors ;  but  they  must  not  be  like  foreign  ambassadors,  who 
need  an  interpreter.  They  are  stars  to  illuminate,  not  clouds 
to  obscure,  the  trulh.  Those  who  preach,  more  to  display 
their  learning  and  eloquence,  than  to  exhibit  Christ,  are  like 
painted  glass  windows,  that  prevent  the  glorious  rays  of  the 
Sun  of  righteousness  from  shining  in.  Some  ministers,  says 
.Quesnal,  are  afraid  of  being  understood  by  the  simple,  lest 
they  should  not  be  admired  by  the  learned. 

Earnestly.  Sometimes  the  preacher,  if  he  is  warm  in 
his  subject,  is  charged  with  enthusiasm  ;  but  if  the  fire  of  en- 
thusiasm burns  any  where,  it  should  be  in  the  pulpit.  Bax- 
ter says,  nothing  is  more  indecent  than  a  dead  preacher, 
speaking  to  dead  sinners  the  living  truth  of  the  living  God. 
Bridges  remarks  of  the  preaching  of  Whitefield,  it  was  the 


THE  NATURE  OF  CONVERSION.  307 

expression  of  his  whole  soul  portrayed  in  his  countenance,  tlie 
solemnity  of  address  and  deep  feeling  from  within,  bursting 
througli  at  every  pore,  streaming  in  his  eyes,  and  breathing 
an  energy  of  love  throughout  the  effusions  of  his  overflowing 
heart,  that  convinced  the  hstening  throngs  that  he  was  not 
trifling  with  them. 

Seuiouslt.  Every  thing  demands  this ;  the  nature  of  the 
work  the  importance  of  the  message,  the  scrutinizing  eye  of 
our  Master,  the  character  of  our  hearers,  the  uncertainty  of 
lile,  and  the  approach  of  eternity. 

Universally.  Wo  are  to  make  known  this  mystery  to 
cOU.  ijome  are  so  narrow  and  contracted  in  their  ran-e  so 
sparing  in  tlieir  invitations  to  sinners,  and  feel  themselves  so 
shackled  in  the  pulpit,  as  if  they  were  afraid  of  convertinr.  the 
non-elect.  *= 

Dependentlt.     The  Spirit  alone  can   discover   lu   our 
minds   the  mystery  of  tlie  Gospel;  therefore  all  our  efFoi" 
must  be  in  a  rehance  on  his  aid. 


OCTOBER    9. 

THE   NATURE   OF   CONVERSION. 

"  Conversion."  — Acts  XV.  3. 

Tins  word  only  occurs  once  in  the  Volume  of  Inspiration  • 
the  meaning  of  it  is  a  change  or  turning  from  one  ol^ect  to 
another.     Let  us  contemplate  it.  "^ 

It  is  a  real  change.  The  Bible  represents  it  so;  be- 
lievers are  said  to  be  "partakers  of  the  Divine  nature  •"  to 
have  the  image  of  God  impressed  on  the  soul;  to  have  the 
law  of  God  engraven  on  the  lieart.  It  is  a  change  from  d^k- 
ne..s  to  light,  a  translation  from  one  kingdom  (o  anothcV 

It  is  a  change  oe  principle.   Thc^^rineiple  of  the  natu- 

llTil/ntT'  ''  T  ^^-T^^l--^^  andlnaxims  of  ll  e 
^oikl ,  but  that  of  a  godly  man  is  in  unison  witli  the  Divine 
oracles  and  according  to  the  dictates  of  an  enlightened  li^^ 

s^letf  nn'.  -;  principle  of /„^M;  this  is  ?he  imm  di  t t 
source  of  all  spiritual  motion:  a  principle  of  lorp  ■  tl.;*  ; 
cha„„, hat  allures  him,  ,he  mo.iv'o  ,hS„e„       hi^  "  "" 
It  i»  a  cuasge  or  comtout  and  enjoyment     Ev^rv 
nature  has  Us  pceuhar  delight  belongiug  ,"u     J;  tS."!7y 


308  THE    ENEMIES    OF    THE    CROSS. 

of  conversion,  the  Spirit  gives  new  principles  to  the  heart,  and 
communicates  new  comforts  at  the  same  time.  Righteousness, 
peace,  and  joy,  are  the  trinity  which  make  the  kingdom  of 
God  in  the  heart. 

It  is  a  change  of  operations.  This  is  external.  A 
holy  life  and  conversation  becoming  the  Gospel  of  Christ  are 
the  effects  of  some  great  cause  ;  and  that  cause  is  a  principle 
of  spiritual  life  in  the  heart,  which  none  but  God  can  bestow. 
Let  us  beware  of  mistaking  external  reformation  for  internal 
renovation.  "  The  one,"  says  a  beautiful  writer,  "■  is  as 
when  the  serpent  throws  off  his  skin,  and  yet,  in  spite  of  his 
gay  coat,  still  remains  a  venomous  reptile ;  the  other  as  when 
the  caterpillar  dies,  and  from  its  tomb  arises  a  new  creature, 
with  beauteous  wings,  bathing  in  the  light  of  the  sun,  and 
nursed  in  flowers."  It  is  an  awful  thought,  how  many  have 
passed  from  infancy  to  childhood,  from  childhood  to  youth, 
from  youth  to  manhood,  and  from  manhood  to  old  age,  and  are 
yet  in  their  sins  !     Changed  years  with  unchanged  hearts  ! 


OCTOBER    10. 

THE    ENEMIES   OF   THE    CROSS. 

"  For  man.v  walk,  of  whom  I  have  told  you  often,  and  now  tell  you  even  weeping:, 
that  they  are  the  enemies  of  the  cross  of  Christ ;  whose  end  is  destruction,  whose  Grod 
is  their  belly,  and  whose  glory  is  in  thek  shame,  who  mind  earthly  things."  —  Phil, 
iii.  18,  19. 

There  is  no  age  in  which  the  Church  has  been  free  from 
hypocrites  and  false  professors.  Many  have  endeavored  to 
employ  this  fact  as  an  argument  against  religion,  but  it  is  just 
the  reverse ;  for  there  must  be  real  coin,  or  the  counterfeit 
never  would  exist.  There  were  such  characters  in  Paul's 
time,  and  he  lamented  it.     Let  us  notice 

The  matter  of  his  address.  It  contains  an  affecting 
account  of  inconsistent  and  seducing  professors.  They  are 
described  in  four  ways. 

Their  number.  "  Mani/  walk."  How  many  have  the  name 
of  Christ  on  the  lips,  whohave  not  received  his  Spirit  in  their 
hearts!  It  becomes  us  therefore  to  bring  ourselves  to  the 
imerring  test  of  God's  word,  and  search  our  principles,  mo- 
tives, dispositions,  and  feelings. 

Tlieir  conduct.     It  was  voluptuous.     "  Whose  God  is  their 


Paul's  faithfulness.  309 

belly."  It  is  an  awful  thing  when  individuals  are  more  anx- 
ious to  pamper  the  body  than  to  feed  the  soul.  Christianity 
teaches  us  to  let  our  moderation  be  known  to  all  men.  It  was 
unblushing.  "  Whose  glory  is  in  their  shame."  Sin  debases 
and  degrades  our  nature,  and  impenitent  sinners  pride  them- 
selves in  it,  instead  of  being  ashamed  of  it.  It  was  worldly. 
"  Who  mind  earthly  things,"  that  is,  whose  spirits,  thoughts, 
and  desires,  are  drowned  in  them,  instead  of  being  fixed  on 
more  exalted  subjects. 

Their  character.  "  They  are  the  enemies  of  the  cross  of 
Christ."  This  description  apjdies  to  all  who  are  in  a  natural 
state,  and  undecided  in  religion  ;  for,  says  the  Saviour,  "  he 
that  is  not  with  me  is  against  me  ;  "  enemies  to  his  person,  his 
cause,  his  word,  his  cross,  and  his  people.  It  is  an  awful  truth, 
that  mere  negative  virtue,  and  the  lifeless  form  of  religion, 
may  be  as  hurtful  to  the  great  interests  of  mankind  as  the 
positive  crimes  of  the  wicked.  The  stagnant  pool  may  be  as 
noxious  as  the  bursting  torrent. 

Tlieir  end.  "  Whose  end  is  destruction."  Thus  the  stream 
of  wickedness  runs  into  the  sea  of  divine  wrath.  The  end  of 
sinners  is  evei'lasting  destruction  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord.  Let  me  avoid  it  and  mind  heavenly  things,  that  mine 
may  be  the  path  of  tlie  just,  which  is  as  the  shining  light  that 
shineth  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day. 


OCTOBER    11. 

PAUL'S   FAITHFULNESS. 

"  For  many  walk,  of  whom  I  have  told  you  often,  anil  now  toll  you  even  wcepinp, 
that  they  arc  the  ononiies  of  the  eross  of  Christ ;  whoso  end  is  ilcstruction,  whose  (loil 
is  their  belly,  ami  whose  glory  is  in  their  shame,  who  mind  earthly  tliiuirs."  —  Phil, 
iii.  18, 19. 

Let  us  contemplate 

The  manner  of  Paul's  address.  Three  things  are  ob- 
servable in  it :  — 

It  icas  frequent.  *»  I  have  told  you  often."  It  is  neces- 
sary that  the  truths  of  the  Gospel  should  be  repeated  in  our 
hearing  over  and  over  again  ;  our  memories  are  so  treacher- 
ous, and  our  hearts  so  deceitful,  that  there  must  be  line  upon 
line,  and  precept  upon  precept.  Paul  says,  in  the  first  verse 
of  this  chapter,  "  To  write  the  same  things  to  you,  to  me  in- 
deed is  not  grievous,  but  for  you  it  is  safe." 


310  ouK  lord's  freedom  from  ambition. 

It  10  as  faithful.  "  And  now  tell  you."  Some  might  disbe- 
lieve his  testimony,  and  mock  and  ridicule  the  truths  he  pro- 
claimed, but  he  must  be  faithful  in  his  warnings  and  admoni- 
tions ;  for  he  well  knew  his  responsibility  as  an  ambassador  of 
Christ,  and  that  the  blood  of  souls  stains  deep.  Simplicity  and 
fidelity  are  two  essential  ingredients  in  preaching :  our  lan- 
guage, like  a  transparent  stream,  should  at  once  reveal  our 
meaning,  and,  like  the  light  of  the  sun,  should  obtrude  itself 
upon  the  eyes  without  any  pains  to  search  for  it.  The  rust- 
ling of  the  leaf,  says  one,  can  never  accomplish  that  which 
requires  the  roar  of  the  thunder. 

It  was  affectionate.  "  Even  weeping."  I  can  imagine  the 
aged  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  his  heart  filled  with  love  and 
compassion  for  immortal  souls,  and  his  mind  hurt  and  wounded 
with  the  conduct  of  these  inconsistent  professors,  weeping  over 
them,  like  his  divine  Master,  who  wept  over  the  city  of  Jeru- 
salem, which  was  devoted  to  destruction.  Paul  was  an  affec- 
tionate, as  well  as  a  faithful  preacher,  and  spake  not  only  with 
the  authority  of  an  apostle,  but  with  the  love  of  a  friend,  the 
compassion  of  a  father,  and  the  tenderness  of  a  mother.  Cor- 
nelius Winter  remarks  of  his  friend  Whitefield,  he  hardly  ever 
preached  without  weeping.  He  once  said  in  the  pulpit,  You 
blame  me  for  weeping,  but  how  can  I  help  it  when  you  will 
not  weep  for  yourselves  ?  your  immortal  souls  are  on  the  verge 
of  destruction,  and,  for  aught  you  know,  you  are  hearing  your 
last  sermon.  Let  not  the  tears  of  God's  servants  witness 
against  you  at  the  last  day. 


OCTOBER    12. 

OUR  LORD'S  FREEDOM  FROM  AMBITION. 

"  When  Jesus  therefore  perceived  that  they  would  come  and  take  him  by  force  to  make 
him  a  king,  he  departed  again  into  a  mountain  himself  alone." — John  yi.  15. 

It  is  a  true  remark,  that  men  who  have  destroyed  in  inten- 
tion every  other  part  of  the  temple  of  truth,  have  paused  when 
they  came  to  the  character  of  Christ,  and  turning  aside,  have 
desisted  for  a  while  from  the  work  of  demolition  to  gaze  and 
bow  before  it,  and  have  not  merely  left  it  standing  as  a  column 
too  majestic,  or  an  altar  too  holy,  for  human  sacrilege  to  assail, 
but  have  even  inscribed  their  names  on  its  base,  and  have  been 
heard  to  burst  forth  in  admiring  exclamations,  approaching  to 
love.  We  have  an  incident  in  his  life,  here  briefly  noticed, 
which  may  afford  us  some  profitable  meditation.     Observe 


OUR  lord's  freedom  from  ambition.  311 

Our  Saviour's  knowledge  op  mankind.  "  He  •per- 
ceived that  they  would  come  and  take  him  by  force  to  make 
him  a  king."  As  God  he  possessed  a  perfect  and  universal 
knowledge  of  the  human  character  in  all  its  depths  of  deceit 
and  iniquity,  John  ii.  25.  "  We  know,"  says  Henry,  "  what 
is  done  by  men  ;  but  Clirist  knows  what  is  in  them."  Our  in- 
tercourse with  the  world  is  calculated  to  render  us  more  cau- 
tious and  less  confiding,  but  he  knew  all  from  the  beginning. 

Our  Saviour's  freedom  from  ambition.  When  he 
perceived  that  the  people  would  honor  him  and  make  him  a 
king,  what  was  the  course  he  pursued  ?  Such  was  his  esti- 
mate of  human  applause,  such  was  his  freedom  from  worldly 
ambition,  "  that  he  departed  again  into  a  mountain  himself 
alone."  Those  who  wished  to  force  this  honor  upon  our  Lord 
were  misguided  by  a  blind  zeal;  they  betrayed  total  ignorance 
of  the  cause  of  his  mission  into  the  world,  and  the  nature  of 
the  kingdom  he  came  to  establish.  Their  views  were  secular, 
and  perhaps  selfish.     He  sought  not  honor  from  men. 

Our  Saviour's  love  of  solitude.  "  He  departed  again 
into  a  mountain  himself  alone."  How  often  we  read  of  his 
being  alone,  sometimes  spending  a  whole  night  in  prayer  to 
his  Father,  after  a  day  of  labor  and  toil  !  Let  us  refer  to 
some  benefits  arising  from  solitude.  It  enables  us  to  form 
correct  views  of  things.  If  you  want  to  see  the  vanity  of 
the  world,  the  vileness  of  sin,  the  preciousness  of  Christ,  the 
value  of  religion,  and  the  realities  of  eternity  in  their  proper 
light,  look  at  them  not  in  a  crowd,  but  in  your  closet,  through 
the  shaded  arch  of  solitude.  It  familiarizes  the  soul  with 
God  and  divine  things,  elevates  the  mind  above  the  world, 
prepares  for  fresh  trials  and  sorrows,  and  by  the  Divine  bless- 
ing meetens  us  for  the  heavenly  inheritance.  Let  us  seek  to 
be  useful,  respected,  and  beloved,  rather  than  applauded  and 
extolled.  In  a  certain  sense,  the  good  opinion  of  men  is  de- 
sirable, for  where  respect  ceases  usefulness  ends  ;  but  let  us 
desire  goodness  rather  than  greatness. 

"  We  M  sinf^the  characters  lie  bears, 
And  all  the  fonns  of  love  he  wear?, 

Exalted  on  his  tlirone  ; 
In  loftiest  songs  of  sw^test  praise, 
We  would,  to  everlasting  days, 

Make  all  his  glories  known." 


312  THE  backslider's  prayer. 

I 
OCTOBER    13. 

THE  BACKSLIDER'S    PRAYER. 

"  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation." — Psalm  li.  12. 

Three  things  are  here  mentioned  concerning  David. 

The  enjoi'.ment  he  had  experienced.  "  The  joy  of 
thy  salvation."  Salvation  is  inseparably  connected  with  joy. 
This  joy  is  divine  in  its  source.  It  is  derived  from  God,  who 
is  the  fountain  of  bliss.  Salvation  is  of  the  Lord  in  its  de- 
vice, accomplishment,  and  application.  Glorious  in  its  object. 
"  Thy  salvation."  The  Christian  rejoices  in  every  thing  that 
concerns  God,  but  especially  in  his  salvation  ;  because  it  in- 
cludes every  spiritual  blessing  which  the  soul  stands  in  need 
of.  Delightful  in  its  ejects.  It  leads  the  mind  to  God,  in 
holy  thoughts,  desires,  and  affections  ;  elevates  the  soul  above 
worldly  objects ;  and  humbles  the  spirit  befoi'e  God. 

The  loss  he  had  sustained.  This  is  implied  in  his 
praying  for  a  restoration  of  this  joy.  It  is  possible  for  a 
Christian  to  lose  his  joy  in  God's  salvation.  Let  us  inquire 
whence  this  arises.  From  neglect  of  communion  with  God. 
Apostacy,  says  Henry,  begins  at  the  closet  door.  From  in- 
difference to  'puhlic  ordinances.  It  is  a  bad  sign  when  there 
is  little  or  no  relish  for  the  services  of  the  sanctuary  :  when 
this  is  the  case,  the  soul  cannot  be  in  a  healthy,  pi'osperous 
state.  From  allowed  sin.  It  is  folly  to  think  of  retaining 
the  joy  of  God's  salvation,  while  we  are  living  in  the  neglect 
of  any  known  duty,  or  the  commission  of  any  known  sin. 

The  desire  he  expressed.  He  prays  for  a  restoration 
of  joy.  Believers  from  various  causes  may  lose  for  a  time 
their  joy  ;  but,  says  one,  the  wind  shall  not  alwaj's  howl,  nor 
dull  eddying  vapors  float  along  the  sky  ;  the  warm  sunbeam 
shall  yet  break  out  from  behind  the  cloud ;  and  the  flowers 
which  were  almost  broken  in  the  blast,  shall  again  lift  up 
their  heads.  God  has  several  ways  of  restoring  his  people's 
joy.  He  does  it  by  affliction  —  by  his  word  — by  his  Spii'it 
—  and  by  leading  us  afresh  to  the  cross. 

"  The  cross  !  it  take?  our  guilt  away  ; 
It  holds  the  fainting  spirit  up ; 
It  cheei-s  with  hope  tlie  gloomy  day. 
And  sweetens  every  bitter  cup." 


THE  AFFECTING  TRUTn.  313 

OCTOBER  14. 

THE  AFFECTING  TRUTH. 

"  The  world  hath  hated  them." — John  xvU.  14. 

Our  text  presents  before  us  two  topics  of  consideration. 
It  records  an  affecting  truth,  and  it  exposes  an  awful  crime. 

It  records  an  affecting  truth.  That  the  followers 
of  Christ  have  in  every  age  been  hated  by  the  world.  Here 
let  us  define  the  term,  world.  By  it,  as  here  used,  we  are  to 
understand  the  subjects  of  Satan's  kingdom;  four  reasons 
may  be  given  why  they  arc  called  the  world.  Because  they 
form  the  greatest  part  of  the  world  —  because  they  are  gov- 
erned by  the  principles  of  the  world  —  because  they  pursue 
the  pleasures  of  the  world  —  and  because  they  have  their 
portion  in  the  woi'ld. 

The  disciples  were  more  peculiarly  the  objects  of  the  world's 
hatred,  because  of  the  work  in  which  they  were  engaged,  and 
the  doctrines  they  taught  were  so  opposed  to  carnal  reason. 
Christians  are  hated  of  the  world, 

Because  they  are  ignorant  of  their  true  character.  They 
know  not  those  honors  and  dignities  that  are  associated  with 
the  character  of  Christians,  or  they  Avould  say,  "We  will  go 
with  you,  for  we  have  heard  that  God  is  with  you." 

Because  they  differ  from  them  in  their  nature.  Believers 
are  the  sons  of  God,  born  from  above  ;  the  ungodly  are  the 
children  of  the  devil,  born  from  beneath  ;  the  one  have  a 
lieart  of  stone,  the  other  a  heart  of  flesh. 

Because  they  belong  not  to  their  society.  "  They  arc  not  of 
the  world."  They  are  the  members  of  a  different  family, 
they  serve  a  diflerent  master,  are  governed  by  different  laws, 
arrayed  in  different  attire,  live  on  dillerent  food,  and  are 
journeying  to  a  different  country. 

Because  tltey  pursue  not  their  course.  There  is  the  course 
of  the  world,  and  the  way  of  holiness.  The  wicked  are  walk- 
ing in  the  road  to  destruction,  and  think  it  strange  that  be- 
lievers run  not  with  them  to  the  same  excess.  The  Christian 
may  here  see  what  he  is  to  expect  in  the  world  —  hatred. 
It  is  encouraging  to  reflect  on  the  especial  care  Christ  takes 
of  his  own.  They  are  safe,  notwithstanding  all  the  rage  and 
malice  of  their  enemies.  They  shall  be  preserved  from  evil, 
and  sustained  till  their  work  is  done,  and  their  hour  is  come. 


27 


314  THE    AWFUL    CRIME, 

OCTOBER    15. 

THE  AWFUL    CRIME. 

"  The  world  hath  hated  them." — John  xvii.  14. 

AVhile  this  passage  records  an  affecting  truth, 

It  exposes  an  awful  crime.  Let  us  notice  four  marks 
belonging  to  this  hatred  manifested  by  the  world  to  believers. 

It  is  an  unreasonable  hatred.  There  are  no  just  grounds  to 
call  it  forth.  When  Christians  act  up  to  the  high  character 
they  sustain,  they  are  just  in  their  dealings,  faithful  to  their 
promises,  kind  in  their  disposition,  patient  under  sufferings 
and  injuries,  the  excellent  of  the  earth,  and  the  lights  of  the 
world  ;  and  yet  the  world  hath  hated  them ! 

It  is  an  universal  hatred.  There  ai'e  some  distinctions,  but 
no  exceptions.  Some  pious  individuals,  moving  in  the  higher 
walks  of  life,  are  not  equally  exposed  to  the  effects  of  the 
hatred  of  the  ungodly  with  those  who  are  found  in  the  lower 
stations  in  society ;  yet  their  hearts  are  no  less  filled  with 
enmity  against  them.  A  lion  retains  his  ferocious  and  sav- 
age nature,  even  when  he  is  bound  in  chains  ;  so  the  wicked 
feel  hatred  in  their  hearts  against  Christ's  followers,  though 
it  is  not  in  the  power  of  their  hand  to  hurt  them. 

It  is  a  cruel  hatred.  This  is  vei'y  evident  from  its  effects, 
when  it  has  been  suffered  to  breal<  out.  We  should  rejoice 
that  in  our  days  outward  persecutions  are  unknown  ;  but 
little,  mean,  and  petty  cruelties  are  still  practised  by  many 
who  would  gladly  show  it  more  openly  with  the  scourge,  the 
stake,  or  the  sword,  if  the  laws  of  our  country  did  not  spread 
their  wings  to  protect  us. 

It  is  an  implacable  hatred.  A  wicked  world  continuing 
such,  can  no  more  cease  to  hate  the  saints,  than  a  ravening 
wolf  can  be  reconciled  to  the  innocent  lamb,  or  the  rapacious 
raven  to  the  harmless  dove.  Naturalists  inform  us,  that  the 
panther  has  such  an  antipathy  to  man,  that  it  will  tear  the 
very  picture  of  a  man.  So  wicked  men  show  their  hatred 
and  contempt  of  God,  by  persecuting  the  saints,  who  are 
images  and  representations  of  Him,  Let  us  admire  the 
watchful  care  God  exercises  over  his  people,  in  the  midst 
of  the  fury  and  hatred  of  their  enemies.  If  there  is  hatred 
from  the  world,  let  there  be  love  in  the  Church. 

"  And  can  such  rebels  be  restored  V 
Sncli  natures  made  divine  V  " 


CllKlST    I'KECIOUS.  315 

OCTOBER    IG. 

CHRIST  PRECIOUS. 

"  Unto  you  therefore  which  believe,  he  is  precious." — 1  Pet.  ii.  7. 

IIow  just  and  striking  is  the  figure  which  compares  the 
Saviour  to  a  foundation-stone  !  Every  thing  else  is  sliding 
sand  and  yielding  air,  a  bubble  on  the  wave,  an  empty  show. 
He  is  a  tried  stone,  tried  in  his  humiliation  by  all  the  vehe- 
mence of  temptation,  and  by  all  the  weight  of  affliction ;  a 
corner-stone,  that  which  unites  and  sustains  the  edifice,  pre- 
cious to  God  and  to  the  saints.  Let  us  contemplate  in  this 
passage 

The  glouious  Person.  It  is  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
To  attempt  an  adequate  description  of  his  gloi'ies  and  excel- 
lences, Avith  the  embellishments  of  human  learning,  would  be 
to  paint  the  rose,  increase  the  whiteness  of  the  lily,  give  color- 
ing to  the  rainbow,  or  gild  the  glorious  rays  of  the  setting  sun. 
All  the  beauties  of  nature,  however  lovely  and  varied,  are 
overpowered  when  contrasted  with  the  charms  of  llim  who 
is  the  chiefest  among  ten  thousand,  and  the  altogether  lovely. 
He  is  the  sacrifice  and  the  priest ;  he  is  the  way  and  the  in- 
tercessor ;  he  is  all  and  in  all. 

The  gracious  characters.  What  a  treasure  is  that 
faith  which  discovers  so  much  glory  in  Christ,  while  to  sense 
he  is  only  the  object  of  refusal  and  contempt !  True  faith 
believes  in  the  evil  of  sin,  the  purity  of  the  law,  the  fulness 
of  the  Gospel,  the  all-sufficiency  of  Christ,  and  the  adapta- 
tion of  the  blessings  of  his  salvation. 

The  interesting  fact.  To  those  who  believe,  Christ 
is  precious.  He  is  so  in  all  he  is,  all  he  has,  all  he  has  done, 
and  all  he  requires.  Observe  the  reasons  of  it.  They  are 
convinced  of  their  need  of  him  ;  they  see  his  excellences : 
feeling  their  ignorance,  they  go  to  him  for  instruction  ;  mourn- 
ing over  their  guilt,  they  look  to  him  for  pardon  ;  seeing  their 
weakness,  they  apply  to  him  for  strength.  They  are  per- 
suaded of  their  interest  in  him,  in  all  his  works  and  perfec- 
tions, offices  and  administrations,  influences  and  graces.  The 
evidences  of  it.  How  do  they  show  that  he  is  precious  to 
them  ?  They  are  fond  of  his  presence,  impatient  of  his  ab- 
sence, and  anxiously  inquire  and  seek  after  him  ;  having  once 
sweetly  rested  in  his  smile,  they  can  find  the  sunbeam  no 
where  else.     Is  he  precious  to  me  ? 


316  THE  NATURE  OF  GODLINESS. 

OCTOBER  17. 

THE  NATURE  OF  GODLINESS. 

"  Godliness  is  profitable  unto  all  things,  having  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is, 
and  of  that  which  is  to  come.  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptii- 
tion."— 1  Tim.  iv.  8,  9. 

We  may  notice  several  things  with  regard  to  godliness. 
Let  us 

Explain  its  nature.  It  includes  a  saving  knowledge 
of  the  character  of  God  ;  it  brings  us  to  the  light,  and  informs 
the  judgment  while  it  renovates  the  heart,  making  us  wise 
to  salvation.  It  includes  a  firm  reliance  on  the  merits  of  the 
Son  of  God.  A  true  and  saving  knowledge  of  God  is  always 
associated  with  implicit  faith  and  entire  confidence  in  Christ. 
It  includes  a  cheerful  obedience  to  the  commands  of  God. 
Obedience  is  the  test  of  love.  If  our  knowledge  of  God  is 
saving,  and  our  faith  in  Christ  is  genuine,  then  we  shall  ren- 
der a  cheerful  and  ready  obedience  to  the  Divine  commands. 
It  includes  a  growing  conformity  to  the  image  of  God.  A 
godly  man  is  one  who  resembles  God,  and  godliness  is  synony- 
mous with  godlikeness.  It  includes  entire  consecration  to  the 
service  of  God.  We  must  render  to  him,  not  only  the  ser- 
vice of  the  lip,  and  the  profession  of  the  life,  but  the  homage 
of  the  heart.     Let  us  now 

Exhibit  its  advantages.  It  is  universally  profitable  ; 
it  is  so  as  to  temporal  things,  because  it  enhances  our  enjoy- 
ment of  them ;  while  we  are  thankful  for  the  gift,  we  delight 
in  the  giver. 

It  improves  the  state.  Godliness  raises  its  possessor  from 
the  lowest  degradation  to  the  most  exalted  honors  :  it  finds 
him  a  slave  immured  in  a  dungeon,  it  knocks  off  his  fetters, 
and  pronounces  him  free  ;  it  finds  him  poor,  and  confers  on 
him  unsearchable  riches. 

It  exalts  the  feelings.  How  debased  are  we  by  nature  !  how 
sensual  and  grovelling  !  But  godliness  produces  a  delightful 
change  ;  it  refines  what  is  gross,  and  ennobles  what  is  degrad- 
ing ;  so  that,  instead  of  licking  the  dust  like  the  serpent,  we 
soar  on  high  with  the  eagle  towards  the  sun. 

It  dignifies  the  character.  Those  who  are  godly  are  the 
sons  of  God ;  they  are  the  seed  which  the  Lord  hath  blest, 
the  lights  of  the  world,  the  salt  of  the  earth.  Godliness  at- 
taches a  dignity  to  every  thing  it  touches  ;  it  gives  the  phi- 
losopher true  wisdom,  makes  the  man  of  science  a  practical 


Tin:    ADVANTAGES    OF    GODLINESS.  317 

man,  and  the  wealthy  and  influential,  liberal  and  useful  to  the 
cause  of  God  ;  it  makes  the  merchant  more  anxious  to  obtain 
the  pearl  of  great  price  than  temporal  gains ;  it  renders  the 
poor  man  a  happy  man,  and  every  one  that  receives  it  a  great 
man. 


OCTOBER    18. 

THE   ADVANTAGES    OF    GODLINESS. 

"  OoiUiness  is  profitable  unto  all  tliina;s,  having  promise  of  the  life  thtit  now  is,  and 
of  that  which  is  to  come.  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation.'' 
1  Tim.  iv.  8,  9. 

If  we  personify  godliness,  we  may  represent  her  as  stand- 
ing with  the  world  beneath  her  feet,  heaven  in  her  eye,  a 
wreath  of  glory  on  her  brow,  and  a  smile  of  composure  play- 
ing on  her  countenance  ;  length  of  days  is  in  her  right  hand, 
and  in  her  left  hand  riches  and  honor  ;  her  ways  are  ways  of 
pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths  arc  peace ;  she  has  an  anchor 
for  sea,  and  a  shield  for  land,  and  she  goes  forth  scattering 
the  choicest  blessings  on  all  who  honor  her.  But  let  us  turn 
from  the  figure  to  the  fact,  and  contemplate  the  pleasures  and 
advantages  of  true  piety. 

Enumerate  its  promises.  But  how  can  we  do  this  ? 
Go  and  stand  by  a  Avide  flowing  river,  and  number  the  parti- 
cles of  water  that  pass  in  rapid  succession  along  the  streams ; 
and  if  you  can  do  this,  then  you  may  be  able  to  enumerate 
the  promises  of  godliness.  They  are  here  divided  into  two 
classes. 

Present.  "  Having  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is."  Be- 
lievers have  a  present  salvation.  IIow  nearly  are  grace  and 
glory  united  !  —  grace  is  the  day -break,  glory  is  the  meridian 
and  noon-tide  splendor  of  the  sun  ;  grace  is  the  closed  bud, 
glory  the  open  flower ;  grace  is  the  seed-time,  glory  the  har- 
vest. These  two  kingdoms  are  united  by  so  small  an  isth- 
mus, that  he  who  stands  upon  the  extremest  boundary  of  the 
kingdom  of  grace  on  earth,  has  almost  already  set  his  foot 
within  the  kingdom  of  glory  in  heaven.  The  promises  are  a 
precious  book,  written  with  the  finger  of  God,  and  every 
leaf  drops  honey  and  myrrh ;  they  are  golden  vessels,  in 
which  are  treasured  up  the  choicest  jewels  God  has  to  be- 
stow.    But  the  promises  are 

Future.  They  regard  the  life  to  come.  It  is  a  glorv  yet 
27* 


318  tetek's  avaening. 

to  be  revealed.  There  are  golden  harps,  but  they  shall  be 
tuned  to  his  praise ;  there  are  ncvei'-fading  crowns,  but  they 
shall  be  cast  at  his  feet ;  there  are  palms  of  victory,  but  they 
shall  be  waved  to  his  glory.  The  redeemed  above  are  said 
to  be  inheriting  the  promises.     Let  us  now 

Enforce  its  claims.     Three  are  mentioned  here. 

Its  truth.  "  This  is  a  faithful  saying."  The  evidences  of 
Christianit}'-  are  strong  and  undeniable.  It  is  proved  exter- 
nally by  signs  and  wonders,  prophecies  and  miracles ;  and  in- 
ternally by  the  witness  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  testimony  of  the 
Christian's  experience.  Its  worth.  It  is  worthy ;  worthy  of 
your  thoughts  and  desires ;  worth  praying  for,  and  worth  I'e- 
ceiving.  It  is  heaven's  greatest  mercy  and  God's  richest  gift. 
Its  universal  Jitness.  "  Worthy  of  all  acceptation."  Its  bless- 
ings and  enjoyments  are  adapted  to  the  nature,  capacities, 
requirements,  and  immortality  of  the  soul.  Tlie  form  of  god- 
liness will  no  more  profit  than  painted  fii-e  will  warm :  let  us, 
therefore,  seek  its  vital  power,  that  we  may  enjoy  its  inesti- 
mable privileges. 


OCTOBEll  19. 

PETER'S   WARNING. 

"  And  the  Lord  said,  Simon,  Simon,  behold  Satan  hath  desired  to  have  you,  that  he 
may  sift  you  as  wheat ;  but  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not":  and  when 
thou  art  converted,  strengthen  thy  brethren.  And  lie  s;udunto  him.  Lord,  I  am  ready 
to  go  with  thee,  both  into  prison  and  to  death.  And  he  said,  I  tell  thee,  Peter,  the 
cock  shall  not  crow  this  day,  before  that  thou  shalt  thrice  deny  that  thou  knowest  me." 
Luke  xxii.  31  —  34. 

How  faithful  is  the  pen  of  inspiration  !  —  here  Truth,  with 
impartial  hand,  dips  her  pencil,  now  in  brighter,  now  in  dai'k- 
er  colors,  and  thus  draws  her  characters  to  the  very  life.  We 
have  now  to  contemplate  Peter's  fall.     Consider 

His  warning.  It  was  given  at  a  solemn  period ;  after 
the  celebration  of  the  Paschal  Supper.  Some  deny  the  being 
of  Satan  ;  but  he  is  here  spoken  of  as  a  person,  see  Job  i.  and 
Zech.  iii.  1.  Pie  is  the  Christian's  gi-and  adversary.  He 
desires  to  sift  us  as  wheat,  and  by  his  temptations  to  draw  us 
into  sin,  that  we  may  fall  as  victims  to  his  malice,  that  he  may 
shake  our  faith,  disturb  our  peace,  and  destroy  our  souls ; 
these  are  his  designs,  whether  he  assumes  the  foi'm  of  an  an- 
gel of  light,  or  a  demon  of  darkness. 

His  Intercessor.      "  But  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that 


Peter's  fall  and  recoveuy.  319 

tliy  faith  fail  not."  Here  is  something  naturally  supposed. 
Christ  does  not  intercede  that  we  may  not  be  tempted.  He 
allows  it  for  wise  ends,  and  we  have  instances  of  this  ;  Abra- 
ham was  suffered  to  utter  deceit  and  falsehood  ;  Moses  spake 
unadvisedly  with  his  lips  ;  Job  was  tempted  to  curse  God 
and  die.  Let  no  man  expect  to  be  free  from  temptation, 
but  seek  sustaining  grace.  But  here  is  something  expressly 
stated.  The  Saviour  intercedes  tliat  our  faith  may  not  "finally 
fail :"  the  Greek  word  in  the  original  conveys  this  meaning. 
Peter's  faith  did  fail,  as  has  been  the  case  with  other  saints, 
but  not  finally.  The  dilFerence  between  Peter  and  Judas 
was,  the  one  fell  for  a  time  ;  the  other,  never  more  to  rise. 
How  desirable  is  it  to  have  strong  faith,  that  we  may  be 
enabled  to  quench  the  fiery  darts  of  Satan ;  and  faith  in  live- 
ly exercise,  that  we  may  be  a  match  for  his  devices  !  What 
a  powerful  Advocate  has  the  believer !  —  a  kind  Intercessor, 
who  is  touched  with  the  feeluig  of  our  infirmities. 


OCTOBER   20. 

PETER'S  FALL  AND  RECOVERY. 

'  "  Anil  the  Lord  said,  Simon,  Simon,  behold  Satan  hath  desired  to  have  you,  that  he 
may  nift  you  as  wheat ;  but  I  have  prayed  for  tliee,  that  thy  faith  fiiil  not :  and  when 
thou  art  converted,  strunpitlien  thy  brethren.  And  he  said  unto  him,  Lord,  I  am  ready 
to  go  with  thee,  botli  into  prison  and  to  death.  And  he  said,  I  tell  thee,  Peter,  the 
cock  shall  not  crow  this  day,  before  that  thou  shalt  thrice  deny  that  thou  knowest  me." 
Luke  x.\ii.  31  —  34. 

We  proceed  to  remark  from  these  words, 

Peter's  rashness.  "  Lord,  I  am  ready  to  go  v,  ith  thee, 
both  to  prison  and  to  death."  Two  things  Peter  seemed  to 
forget ;  the  poiccr  of  temptation.  We  are  little  aware  in 
what  manner,  or  from  what  quarter,  temptations  may  come, 
and  the  particular  influence  they  may  have  on  the  mind.  — 
When  Peter  uttered  these  strong  expressions  of  attachment 
to  our  Lord,  he  knew  not  how  near  the  tempter  was  to  him. 
r>ut  he  forgot  his  o^on  weakness.  "  Lord,  I  am  ready  to  go 
with  thci;  into  pri.son  and  to  death."  Yes,  Peter,  but  are 
you  able  ?  have  you  counted  the  cost  ?  have  you  weighed  the 
matter,  and  thought  of  the  peculiar  gi-ace  that  is  requisite  to 
support  the  mind  of  a  martyr  ?  How  little  do  we  know  of 
ourselves  and  our  own  weakness,  till  some  circumstances 
occur  to  trv  u?,  and  our  faith  i.-=  called  into  exercise  ! 


320  Peter's  pall  and  recovery. 

His  fall.  This  is  intimated  in  the  words  of  our  Lord, 
in  the  34th  verse ;  that  Peter  should  deny  him  before  the 
dawning  of  the  day:  but  he  could  not  believe  it.  Deny  thee, 
he  was  ready  to  say,  Oh  how  ungrateful  should  I  be,  if  I 
should  thus  act !  What !  after  all  the  kindness  thou  hast 
shown  me,  and  all  the  professions  of  attachment  I  have  made  ! 
no,  my  Master,  "  though  all  shall  be  offended  at  thee,  yet  Avill 
not  I."  But  hark !  Judas  comes  at  the  head  of  a  multitude 
with  swords  and  staves  to  take  Jesus ;  the  hour  and  power  of 
darkness  are  come.  Peter  appears  very  valiant  for  a  time, 
and  begins  to  fight  for  his  Master,  and  cut  off  the  right  ear  of 
one  the  high  priest's  sei^ants.  Soon  he  follows  afar  off,  and 
at  length  is  ashamed  of  his  Master,  and  denies  him  with 
oaths  and  curses.     Lord,  what  is  man !     But  observe 

His  recovery.  This  is  intimated  in  the  words,  "  When 
thou  art  converted,"  or  restored.  We  are  told  that  the  Lord 
turned  and  looked  upon  Peter —  what  a  look  it  was  !  it  was 
a  look  of  reproach  that  pierced  him  to  the  heart,  a  look  of 
remembrance  that  brought  past  scenes  to  his  memory,  a  look 
of  affection  that  won  his  soul,  the  look  of  Omniscience  that 
penetrated  liis  mind  ;  it  was  an  expressive  and  forcible  look, 
that  seemed  to  say,  What,  Peter,  is  this  thy  kind  return  for  all 
my  favors  ?     Is  this  the  result  of  all  your  strong  professions  ? 

His  duty.  "  Strengthen  thy  brethren."  The  people 
of  God,  who  have  fallen  into  sin,  when  they  are  again  re- 
stoi-ed  to  him  from  whom  they  have  wandered,  feel  anxious  to 
publish  abroad  more  than  ever  the  Divine  mercy  and  forgive- 
ness. This  was  the  case  with  David.  "  Then  will  I  teach 
transgressors  thy  ways,  and  sinners  shall  be  converted  unto 
thee."  Peter's  fall  should  be  regarded  by  us,  not  as  an  exam- 
ple for  our  imitation,  but  a  beacon  for  our  warning. 

"  0  Lord  !  thy  heavenly  s^ace  impart, 
And  fix  my  frail,  inconstant  heart ; 
Henceforth  my  chief  desire  shall  be 
To  dedicate  myself  to  thee. 

denouncing  every  worldly  thing, 
And  safe  beneath  thy  spreading  wing. 
My  sweetest  thought  henceforth  shall  be, 
That  all  I  want,  I  find  in  thee." 


GOD    REASONING    WITH    MAN.  321 

OCTOBER    21. 

GOD  REASONING  WITH  MAN. 

"Conic  now,  and  let  us  reason  togeflier,  saith  the  Lord;  though  your  sins  be 
as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  white  as  snow  ;  though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall 
be  as  wool."  —  Isa.  i.  18. 

The  most  encouraging  promises  and  invitations  are  beauti- 
fully blended  with  the  predictions  of  the  prophets.  These 
delightful  expressions,  that  were  so  eminently  calculated  to 
inspire  the  ancient  Israelites  Avith  the  liveliest  emotions  of 
joy,  form  the  source  of  our  consolation  and  the  ground  of  our 
hope.  This  chapter  commences  with  a  gloomy  account  of 
human  depravity  ;  but  ere  it  concludes,  we  have  a  bright  pros- 
pect of  Divine  mercy.     These  words  lead  us  to  remark,  that 

Our  state  is  one  op  distance  from  God.  There- 
fore the  Almighty  says,  "  Come."  How  early  is  our  aliena- 
tion from  God  manifested  !  Who  can  doubt  this  fact  ?  Hea- 
thens acknowledged  it.  Plato  said,  no  man  is  born  without 
sin ;  Cicero  and  other  heathen  philosophers  have  expressed 
themselves  in  a  similar  way.  Revelation  asserts  it,  reason 
confirms  it,  experience  testifies  it,  redemption  illustrates  it, 
the  believer  confesses  and  laments  it  too. 

Our  sins  are  of  an  aggravated  nature.  "As  scar- 
let, and  red  like  crimson."  Twice  dyed,  original  and  actual 
transgressions.  Six  crimes  are  mentioned  in  the  preceding 
verses  ;  ingratitude,  ignorance,  thoughtlessness,  apostacy,  de- 
filement, and  hypocrisy. 

Grace  effects  a  change.  This  change  is  wonderful  in 
its  nature  ;  it  is  called  a  new  creation ;  there  is  in  conversion  a 
re-impression  of  the  Divine  image  on  the  soul.  It  is  extensive 
in  its  latitude ;  it  does  not  consist  in  a  mere  alteration  of  our 
views  and  opinions,  but  in  the  renovation  of  the  heart,  and  the 
illumination  of  the  mind  ;  it  extends  to  all  the  faculties  of  the 
soul.  It  is  visible  in  its  effects ;  these  are  external,  though 
the  seat  of  the  change  is  within. 

Religion  has  reason  on  its  side.  The  believer  can 
give  a  good  reason  for  his  attachment  to  God,  but  the  ungodly 
cannot  for  their  love  to  the  world.  God  condescends  to  rea- 
son with  us  !  How  unreasonable  and  unrighteous  is  it,  then, 
for  us  to  despise  and  reject  him ! 

God  is  willing  to  pardon.  The  whole  passage  clearly 
discovers  this.     Oh !  wdiat  amazing  condescension  for  the  Al- 


322  THE   DANGER    OF    TEMPTATION. 

miglity  to  deign  to  reason  with  us  !  His  invitations,  expos- 
tulations, arguments,  and  promises,  show  that  every  thing  is 
propitious,  all  things  are  ready,  and  that  he  is  waiting  to  be 
gracious. 


OCTOBER   22. 

THE  DANGER  OF  TEMPTATION. 

"  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation."  —  Matt.  xxvi.  41. 

This  was  the  language  of  Jesus  to  three  of  his  disciples^ 
in  the  garden  of  Gethsemane  ;  and  it  is  a  suitable  counsel  to 
all  his  followers.     Observe 

The  danger  to  which  we  are  exposed.  Entering 
into  temptation.     Let  us  notice 

The  care  that  should  he  taken.  We  must  not  cherish  the 
thought  of  sin ;  the  revolving  of  it  in  our  mind  is  the  first 
step  in  the  passage  of  temptation.  We  must  not  expose 
ourselves  to  the  occasion  of  sin.  When  the  mind  is  unoc- 
cupied, it  is  a  favorable  time  for  the  enemy.  It  is  the  sitting, 
not  the  flying  bird,  that  is  the  fowlers  mark.  We  must  not 
parley  with  sin.  Eve  was  overcome  by  this.  In  the  hour  of 
temptation,  side  not  with  your  corruptions,  but  with  your  con- 
victions. We  must  not  enter  on  a  course  of  sin.  Approach 
not  the  borders  of  temptation.  We  should  keep  at  such  a 
distance  from  breaking  the  law,  that,  as  the  rabbis  say,  we 
should  not  touch  even  the  hedge  that  guards  it. 

The  reasons  why  toe  should  evince  this  care.  We  will  give 
four.  The  craft  of  the  enemy.  We  have  a  subtle  foe  to  deal 
with,  who  assumes  a  thousand  forms  to  entice  and  entangle 
us.  The  weakness  of  our  hearts.  "  How  weak  is  thine 
heart ! "  says  God  —  Ezek.  xvi.  30.  How  soon  are  we  over- 
come, and  yield  to  temptation  !  Our  personal  comfort.  When 
we  turn  aside  into  the  way  of  temptation,  how  destructive  is 
it  to  the  peace  of  our  minds !  The  honor  of  religion.  How 
many,  by  yielding  to  the  suggestions  of  the  enemy,  have 
brought  a  disgrace  on  religion,  and  caused  the  way  of  truth 
to  be  evil  spoken  of!  Let  us  seek  help  from  our  Great  High 
Priest,  who  "  in  that  he  himself  hath  suffered  being  tempted, 
he  is  able  to  succor  them  that  are  tempted." 


THE    MEANS    OF    ESCAPING   TEMPTATION.  023 

OCTOBER    23. 

THE  MEANS  OF  ESCAPING  TEMPTATION. 

"  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation."  —  Matt.  xxvi.  41. 

Having  noticed  the  danger  to  which  we  are  exposed,  viz., 
entering  into  temptation,  let  us  now  observe 

TuE  MEANS  OF  ESCAPING  XT.  The  waj  to  avoid  evil  is 
to  be  found  in  the  pursuit  of  good.  The  path  of  duty  is  the 
path  of  safety.  Omissions  make  way  for  commissions,  and 
the  end  of  duty  is  the  beginning  of  sin.  There  are  two  par- 
ticular means  here  specified,  whereby  we  may  be  prevented 
from  entering  into  temptation.     Let  us  look  at  them. 

Watchfuhiess.  Our  Lord  fi'equently  enjoined  this  on  his 
followers.  It  is  one  of  the  most  important  of  Christian  duties. 
There  are  three  things  implied  in  it.  Apprehension  of  dan- 
ger. This  feeling  must  he  cherished  by  the  Christian  who 
would  not  enter  into  temptation.  We  are  least  safe  when 
we  feel  ourselves  most  secure.  Activity  in  duty.  A  vigilant 
spirit  is  opposed  to  one  of  indolence.  It  is  a  lively  and  walce- 
ful  spirit,  watching  the  first  motions  of  the  enemy,  as  David 
did  when  Saul  cast  a  javelin  at  him,  to  slay  him ;  he  escaped 
the  infuriated  monarch,  not  by  resistance,  but  by  vigilance  — 
1  Pet.  V.  8.  Suitableness  of  preparation.  It  is  of  no  use 
watching  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  if  we  are  not  armed 
and  ready  to  meet  him.  This  must  be  done  not  in  our  own 
strength.  Array  yourselves  in  military  panoply,  and  keep 
yourselves  always  in  a  military  posture.  "  Put  on  the  whole 
armor  of  God."  How  many  have  entered  into  temptation, 
being  off  their  guard  ! 

Prayer.  This  is  never  out  of  season,  therefore  we  are 
enjoined  to  pray  without  ceasing.  What  must  we  pray  for 
with  regard  to  temptation  ?  For  preventing  grace  to  keep 
lis  out  of  temptation.  So  we  are  taught  in  our  Lord's  prayer, 
*'  Lead  us  not  into  temptation  ; "  that  is,  that  God  would  not 
by  his  providence  open  a  door  of  temptation  to  us.  For 
comforting  grace  to  support  us  in  temptation.  Paul  prayed 
for  deliverance  from  his  trial ;  God  answered  it  by  insuring 
suitable  relief  in  it,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient."'  For  deliver- 
ing grace  to  bring  us  out  of  temptation.  We  must  pray,  not 
only  that  we  may  be  rescued  from  it,  but  be  the  better  for  it ; 
that  when  he  has  tried  us  we  may  come  forth  as  gold,  that 
his  name  may  be  glorified,  our  souls  benefited,  and  his  grace 
mairnified. 


324  CHRISTIAN    CHARACTER   AND    PRIVILEGE. 

OCTOBER    24. 

CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER  AND  PRIVILEGE. 

"  But  if  any  man  love  God,  the  same  is  known  of  him."  —  1  Cor.  viii.  3. 

It  has  been  well  remarked,  that  those  spiritual  lights  have 
the  purest  radiance  which  are  the  least  conscious  of  their  own 
brightness  ;  and  those  divine  flowers  diffuse  the  sweetest  fra- 
grance which  make  the  least  display.  The  higher  the  Chris- 
tian rises  in  self-knowledge,  the  lower  he  sinks  in  his  owii 
estimation  ;  "  knowledge  puffeth  up,  but  charity,"  or  Christian 
love,  "  edifieth."  In  this  passage  let  us  notice  the  character 
and  privilege  of  a  good  man. 

His  character.  He  loves  God.  Love  to  the  Divine 
Being  is  the  very  essence  and  principle  of  true  religion.  Two 
things  may  be  observed  respecting  this  love. 

Its  extent.  What  does  it  include  ?  A  spiritual  apprehen- 
sion of  God.  We  cannot  feel  any  real  regard  for  an  unknown 
Deity  —  the  choice  of  him  as  our  portion  —  a  high  value  and 
esteem  for  him  —  and  a  strong  desire  for  nearer  communion 
with  him. 

Its  evidences.  The  possession  of  this  principle  will  discover 
itself  in  various  ways  ;  if  we  jjossess  it,  we  shall  value  nothing 
in  comparison  with  God  ;  we  shall  hate  sin,  breathe  after  ho- 
liness, desire  to  be  more  conformed  to  the  Divine  image,  and 
more  devoted  to  the  Divine  glory. 

His  PRIVILEGE.     He  is  known  of  God.     Consider 

What  it  includes.  More  than  a  bare  knowledge  ;  this  of 
itself  is  not  necessarily  a  privilege  ;  for  in  this  sense  the  un- 
godly are  known  of  him.  It  involves  the  Divine  recognition, 
the  Divine  approval,  and  the  Divine  regard. 

What  it  secures.  Those  who  are  thus  known  of  God  shall 
have  his  blessing  to  sweeten  their  common  mercies,  his  grace 
to  soothe  their  varied  sorrows,  the  participation  of  his  favor, 
the  joys  of  his  salvation,  a  public  recognition  at  the  last  day, 
and  a  free  admittance  into  the  realms  of  glory.  Remember, 
that  knowledge  in  the  head,  without  grace  in  the  heart,  is 
insufficient  to  evidence  the  Christian  character. 

"  Thy  favor,  Lord,  is  all  I  want  ; 
Here  would  my  spirit  rest : 
Oh  !  seal  the  rich,  the  boundless  grant. 
And  make  me  fully  blest." 


THE    UNIVERSAL   DOMINION    OF    THE    SAVIOUR.       325 
OCTOBER    25. 

THE  UNIVERSAL  DOMINION  OF  THE  SAVIOUR. 

"  All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth."  —  Matt,  xxviii.  18. 

In  prosecuting  the  march  which  'the  Gospel  has  com- 
menced, says  one,  it  consuhs  the  map  of  the  world  —  as  the 
sun  of  rigliteousness  ascends  in  the  firmament,  our  moral 
horizon  enlarges.  "What  encouragement  have  we  in  the  pas- 
sage before  us  to  exert  ourselves  for  the  spread  of  the  Gospel ! 
Consider 

The  universal  dominion  of  the  Saviour.  This  is  a 
subject  frequently  referred  to  in  the  Scriptures,  and  one  of 
paramount  importance.     Two  things  are  observable  here. 

The  extent  of  this  povjer.  "  All  power."  Monarchs  have 
power ;  angels  and  evil  spirits  have  power,  but  it  is  limited, 
and  under  certain  control.  Jesus  has  all  power  "  in  heaven." 
He  exercises  unlimited  dominion  over  the  shining  ranks  of 
angels  that  bow  before  him,  and  the  glorious  army  of  the 
redeemed  above,  who  fall  prostrate  before  his  spotless  throne. 
He  has  power  to  obtain  from  the  court  of  heaven  pardon, 
peace,  and  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  He  has  power  "  in 
earth."  He  upholdeth  all  things  by  the  word  of  his  power; 
he  regulates  and  governs  the  affairs  of  men  ;  he  has  power 
to  judge  and  to  punish  at  the  last  day ;  he  has  power  in  his 
church,  and  is  the  only  true  Head  of  it. 

The  mode  by  tohich  it  is  obtained.  It  is  "  given."  He  pos- 
sesses unlimited  power  over  all,  essentially,  as  God  ;  but  the 
dominion  here  refei'red  to  is  that  which  he  has  delegated  to 
him  as  Mediator,  by  virtue  of  the  office  he  undertook,  and  the 
work  he  performed  —  John  xvii.  2.  As  God,  his  power  wa.s 
by  right ;  as  man,  it  was  given.  As  God,  he  said,  "  I  and 
my  Father  are  one  ; "  as  man,  he  said,  "  My  Father  is  greater 
than  I."  Let  my  prayer  be,  Blessed  Savioui*,  exercise  thy 
power  over  me. 

"  Tliv  blessing  shall  extend  ; 
'thy  sa\'ing  grace  appear ; 
And  all,  to  earth's  remotest  end, 
The  Lord  our  Saviour  fear." 


28 


326  UNLIMITED    COMMISSION    OF   THE    GOSPEL. 

OCTOBER    26. 

THE  UNLimTED  COIVIAIISSION  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 

"  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost  ;  teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  ^vhatso- 
ever  I  have  commanded  you."  — Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20. 

We  have  here  the  Christian  minister's  directory.     See 

The  unlimited  commission  of  the  Gospel. 

It  is  important  in  its  contents.  It  consists  in  the  commu- 
nication of  instruction.  "  Teaching  them "  what  glorious 
truths  are  to  be  taught ;  the  ruin  and  desolation  occasioned 
by  sin,  and  the  blessings  secured  by  grace  ;  our  duty  to  God 
and  our  neighbor  ;  the  all-sufficiency  of  Christ's  merits,  and 
the  work  of  the  Spirit.  The  Bible,  and  not  a  human  pro- 
duction, is  to  be  our  book  of  reference  and  appeal.  It  con- 
sists in  the  administration  of  an  ordinance.  "  Baptizing  them." 
This  is  an  outward  sign  of  an  inward  change ;  by  it  we  are 
introduced  into  the  visible  Church  of  Christ.  While  we 
regard  it  as  of  Divine  authority,  let  us  beware  of  attaching 
too  much  importance  to  it. 

It  is  Divine  in  its  oriyin.  It  is  not  the  commission  of  men, 
but  of  our  Redeemer  God.  "  Teaching  them  to  observe  all 
things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you."  It  is  at  our  peril 
to  go  farther  than  the  contents  of  our  commission,  or  to  refuse 
to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God.  We  must  not  multiply 
words  without  cause,  which  will  only  tend  to  hide,  or  at  least 
impair  our  meaning,  as  the  fruit  is  seldom  abundant  where 
the  foliage  is  too  luxuriant. 

It  is  universal  in  its  extent.  "  Teach  all  nations."  There 
is  something  delightfully  encouraging  in  the  contemplation  of 
the  universal  adaptation  of  the  Gospel  and  its  blessings  to  the 
nature,  capacities,  and  requirements  of  the  soul  of  man.  Sin 
is  a  universal  malady,  and  the  Gospel  pi"Oclaims  a  universal 
remedy.  Paul  rejoiced,  that,  though  he  was  in  chains,  the 
word  of  the  Lord  was  not  bound.  May  it  appear  that  to  me 
is  the  word  of  this  salvation  sent,  with  Divine  power  and 
energy ! 

"  Lord,  spread  the  triumphs  of  thy  gi-ace  ; 
Let  truth  and  righteousness  and  peace, 
In  mild  and  lovely  forms,  display 
The  glories  of  the  latter  day." 


ENCODKAGEMENT    OF    THE    CHURCH.  327 

OCTOBER    27. 

THE  DELIGHTFUL  ENCOURAGEMENT  OF  THE 
CHURCH. 

'■  And,  lo  1  I  am  with  you  ahvay,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.    Axacn." 
Matt,  xx^au.  20. 

The  presence  of  God  is  the  spiritual  alchemy  that  turns 
every  thing  into  gold.  Braiuerd  thus  advised  a  candidate  for 
the  ministry  —  the  way  to  enjoy  the  Divine  presence,  and  be 
fitted  for  distinguishing  service  for  God,  is  to  live  a  life  of 
great  devotion,  and  constant  self-dedication  to  him.  We  have 
now  to  contemplate 

The  delighful  encouragement  of  the  Church. 
This  is  derived  from  the  Saviour's  promise  before  us.  His 
essential  presence  is  every  where,  but  his  especial  and  gracious 
presence  is  with  his  church  and  people.     View 

Its  extensive  benejits.  "  I  am  with  you."  In  our  religious 
engagements  and  devotional  exercises,  no  matter  who  are 
with  us,  if  he  is  not,  there  can  be  no  spiritual  profit  or  enjoy- 
ment. "  I  am  with  you ! "  this  is  an  antidote  against  the 
most  distressing  fears.  This  enabled  the  apostles  to  rejoice 
in  tribulation,  and  sing  in  a  prison.  My  grace  shall  be  with 
you  to  cheer  you  ;  my  Spirit  shall  be  with  you  to  teach  you  ; 
my  arm  shall  be  with  you  to  defend  you. 

Its  constant  injluence.  "  Alway ;"  in  all  places,  at  all 
times,  under  all  circumstances.  How  much  is  there  to  ani- 
mate those  who  serve  at  the  altar,  as  well  as  those  who  wor- 
ship in  the  temple  !  Let  us  be  much  in  prayer,  if  we  would 
wish  to  derive  spiritual  profit.  This  is  the  grand  secret  of 
divine  success.  Dr.  Preston  observes,  "  When  we  would 
have  any  great  things  to  be  accomplished,  the  best  policy  is 
to  work  by  an  engine  which  the  world  sees  nothing  of." 

Its  perpetual  duration.  "  Even  unto  the  end  of  the  world." 
The  promise  is  to  all  future  generations.  Surely  there  is  no 
room  for  despondency  ;  there  is  enough  to  animate  the  exer- 
tions of  every  Christian  society,  and  every  true  believer. 
Let  me  inquire  how  have  I  received  my  Saviour's  instruc- 
tions ?  Experimentally  and  practically  ?  Am  I  baptized  of 
the  Spirit,  and  do  I  enjoy  his  peculiar  presence  ? 


328  PROFICIENCT    OF    CHRIST's    DISCIPLES. 

OCTOBER    28. 

THE  PROFICIENCY  OF  CHRIST'S  DISCIPLES. 

"  For  I  have  given  unto  them  the  words  which  thou  gavest  me  ;  and  they  have- 
received  them,  and  have  known  surely  that  I  came  out  from  thee,  and  they  hav» 
believed  that  thou  didst  send  me." — John  xvii.  8. 

Thus  spake  our  Lord  of  his  disciples,  in  his  intercessory 
prayer.     Observe  here  two  things. 

The  instructions  of  the  Saviour.  "  For  I  have 
given  unto  them  the  words  which  thou  gavest  me."  What 
words  were  these  ?  It  inckules  the  whole  will  of  God  con- 
cerning the  salvation  of  sinners. 

Tlie  word  of  the  Gospel  as  the  promise  of  salvation.  For 
this  end  he  was  born,  and  came  into  the  world  that  he  might 
bear  witness  to  the  truth  ;  he  preached  the  kingdom  of  God. 
How  gracious  were  the  words  that  proceeded  from  his  lips ! 

The  word  of  the  law  as  the  rule  of  life.  Lest  any  should 
mistake  the  end  of  his  mission,  he  said,  "  Think  not  that  I  am 
come  to  destroy  the  law  or  the  prophets  ;  I  am  not  come  to 
destroy,  but  to  fulfil."  He  magnified  the  law  in  a  perfect 
obedience  to  its  precepts  ;  let  us  honor  it  in  a  sincere  obedi- 
ence to  its  commands.  These  words  he  gave  to  the  disciples 
by  divine  authority,  plainly,  faithfully,  impartially,  and  affec- 
tionately. Here  is  a  model  for  a  Christian  minister,  who  is 
to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God. 

The  proficiency  of  the  disciples.  "And  they  have 
received  them."     Observe  here  three  things. 

The  reception  they  gave  his  doctrine.  They  I'eceived  it  so 
as  to  acknowledge  its  purity  —  believe  its  divine  authority  — 
undei'stand  its  meaning,  and  feel  its  influence. 

The  assurance  they  felt  of  his  Godhead.  "And  have 
known  surely  that  I  came  out  from  thee."  That  is,  they  felt 
a  firm  persuasion  of  his  being  the  Son  of  God,  equal  with 
the  Father.  This  term  "known  surely,"  distinguishes  it 
from  mere  speculative  knowledge. 

The  belief  they  exercised  in  his  divine  mission.  "  And 
they  have  believed  that  thou  didst  send  me."  The  other  ex- 
pression had  a  reference  to  our  Saviour's  being  the  Father's 
equal ;  this  regards  his  being  the  Father's  ambassador.  They 
believed  that  God  sent  him,  though  he  came  into  the  world 
not  in  the  pomp  and  equipage  of  a  prince,  but  in  the  form 
of  a  servant.  What  matter  of  joy  is  it  that  such  a  Redeemer 
has  been  sent  into  our  world ;  that  we  have  the  doctrines  he 
taught !     But  how  have  we  received  them  ? 


THE   TRECIOUSNESS    OF    THE    PROMISES.  329 

OCTOBER    29. 

THE  PRECIOUSNESS  OF  THE  PROMISES. 

"  Precious  promises." — 2  Pet.  i.  4. 

The  promises  are  the  foundation,  food,  life,  and  soul  of 
faitli.  As  a  promise  is  of  no  avail  without  faith  to  apply  it ; 
so  faith  is  nothing  without  a  promise  to  lay  hold  on.  The 
treasure  of  a  mine  will  never  enrich  without  it  is  dug;  the 
fragrance  of  the  sweetest  flower  will  never  refresh  unless  it  is 
inhaled ;  and  amid  all  the  consolations  of  the  Gospel,  we  may 
go  to  the  grave  in  despaii',  if  the  precious  promises  are  not 
applied.     In  what  respects  are  they  precious  ? 

In  THEIR  NATURE.  They  assure  us  of  invaluahle  things. 
Every  thing  that  is  included  in  our  anticipations,  rests  on  the 
promises ;  heaven  itself  is  the  enjoyment  of  the  promises. 
Heaven  is  the  promises  unfolded ;  and  the  promises  are 
heaven  folded.  The  purposes  of  God  are  his  concealed 
promises ;  and  the  promises  are  his  revealed  purposes. 
They  discover  all  good  things  here  and  hereafter,  as  the  in- 
heritance of  believers,  and  so  are  justly  styled  precious. 
They  stamp  a  value  on  our  common  mercies.  We  enjoy 
much  by  way  of  providence,  but  much  more  by  way  of 
promise,  1  Tim.  iv.  8.  A  small  blessing,  by  way  of  promise, 
is  worth  a  thousand  by  way  of  providence.  "  A  little  that 
a  righteous  man  hath,  is  better  than  the  riches  of  many 
wicked." 

In  their  freeness.  The  promises  are  the  discoveries 
of  God's  eternal  love  to  his  people.  These  things  are  freely 
given  to  us  of  God.  The  wealth  of  the  rich  cannot  purchase 
them ;  the  poverty  of  the  indigent  is  no  obstacle  in  the  way 
of  their  receiving  them. 

In  their  fulness.  The  promises  are  the  Christian's 
spiritual  treasury  —  his  unsearchable  riches.  He  who  can 
claim  the  promises  as  his  own  must  be  rich  indeed.  He  has 
grace  in  possession,  and  glory  in  prospect.  How  insignificant 
are  all  worldly  portions  when  compared  with  the  heavenly 
inheritance  !  Let  us  rejoice  in  the  fulness  of  the  promises  ; 
plead  the  application  of  them  to  our  own  cases,  and  pray  that 
we  may  finally  inherit  them  above. 


28^ 


330  VARIETY   AND    EFFECTS    OF    THE   PROMISES. 

OCTOBER   30. 

THE  VARIETY  AND  EFFECTS  OF  THE 
PROMISES. 

"  Precious  promises." — 2  Pet.  i.  4. 

They  are  precious 

In  THEIR  VARIETY.  Diversified  as  are  the  circumstances 
of  God's  people,  there  is  a  promise  suited  to  them  all.  The 
promises  are  so  laid,  that,  like  a  well-drawn  picture,  they  look 
on  all  that  look  on  them  with  an  eye  of  faith.  Are  they  af- 
flicted ?  "  In  all  their  afflictions  he  was  afflicted."  Are  they 
poor  ?  "  Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteous- 
ness, and  all  these  things  shall  be  added  unto  you."  Are 
they  tempted  ?  The  "  God  of  peace  shall  bruise  Satan  un- 
der your  feet  shortly."  Are  they  groaning  under  the  remains 
of  corruption  within?  "  He  will  subdue  our  iniquities."  As 
there  is  one  glory  of  the  sun,  and  another  glory  of  the  moon, 
and  another  glory  of  the  stars  :  so  it  is  with  the  promises, 
there  is  a  rich  and  endless  variety.  In  whatever  part  of  the 
wilderness  tlie  Christian  is  journeying,  there  is  a  beautiful 
cluster  of  promises  to  cheer  him. 

In  their  CERTAINTY.  When  we  have  our  misgivings, 
and  are  tempted  to  stagger  at  them,  let  us  pray  for  grace  to 
be  enabled  to  stand  still,  that  we  may  see  the  salvation  of  the 
Lord,  and  remember  the  language  of  Scripture,  "  Is  any 
thing  too  hard  for  the  Loixl  ?  All  the  promises  of  God  in 
him  are  yea,  and  in  him  Amen,  unto  the  gloi*y  of  God  by 
us." 

In  THEIR  EFFECTS.  "  That  by  these  ye  might  be  par- 
takers of  the  nature ;"  not  by  the  Divine  communication 
of  the  Divine  essence,  but  by  the  participation  of  the  di- 
vine grace.  By  these  we  are  to  "  perfect  holiness  in  the 
fear  of  God."  On  the  promises  our  hopes  depend,  and  from 
them  our  comforts  are  derived.  They  are  the  wings  of 
prayer ;  prayer  conveys  grace  from  heaven  to  the  soul,  and 
unlocks  the  treasure  of  divine  mercy.  Believers  turn  the 
promises  into  prayers  at  a  throne  of  grace.  The  promises 
encourage  us  under  a  sense  of  our  unworthiness,  quicken  us 
to  greater  diligence,  and  revive  the  fainting  spirit.  What 
God  requires  of  us  as  a  duty,  he  promises  to  us  as  a  gift. 
He  commands  us  to  believe  in  him,  he  promises  to  irapai't 
faith.     He  enjoins  us  to  love  him,  he  promises  to  circumcise 


GRAND    THEME    OF   THE    GOSPEL    MINISTRY.  331 

our  hearts  that  we  may  do  it ;  he  beseeches  us  to  turn  and 
repent,  he  gives  repentance,  and  turns  us  efTectually  to  him- 
self. He  calls  upon  us  to  pursue  a  new  course,  and  leave  our 
old  ways  ;  he  promises  to  give  us  a  new  heart,  that  we  may 
incline  to  his  laws. 


OCTOBER   31. 

THE  GRAND   THEME  OF  TPIE  GOSPEL 
MINISTRY. 

"  Christ  is  preached." — Phil.  i.  18. 

"What  an  heroic  and  undaunted  character  was  Paul  i 
Though  surrounded  by  many  that  were  ashamed  of  Christ, 
he  maintained  the  resolution  to  his  dying  day,  "  I  am  not 
iishamed  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ."  When  surrounded  by 
all  the  licentiousness  of  Corinth,  and  exposed  to  the  philoso- 
phers at  Athens,  he  said,  "  I  determined  not  to  know  any 
thing  among  you,  save  Jesus  Chx-ist  and  him  crucified." 
When  writing  to  the  Galatians  who  were  lost  in  Judaism 
and  superstition,  he  declared  his  boast  was  the  cross  of  Christ ; 
when  at  Philippi  among  the  great  and  the  mighty  he  exclaimed, 
"  Yea,  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excel- 
lency of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord."  Pie  re- 
fers in  the  context  to  the  different  motives  that  actuated  some 
to  preach  the  Gospel  —  verse  15.     Christ  must  be  preached 

In  the  GLORY  OF  HIS  PERSON.  How  Wonderful  is  the 
union  of  two  distinct  natures  in  one  Divine  person  !  Christ 
had  a  nature  the  same  as  the  Father,  and  a  nature  the  same 
as  man.  He  thought  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God, 
though  he  took  on  him  the  form  of  a  servant.  He  had  a  nature 
that  gave  the  law,  and  a  nature  that  obeyed  it.  As  God  he 
was  as  high  as  the  Father,  as  man  he  was  as  low  as  the  sin- 
ner. Every  attribute  belonging  to  the  Deity  is  ascribed  to 
Christ;  and  every  property  connected  with  humanity  be- 
longed to  him,  yet  without  sin.  As  God  he  fed  five  thousand 
individuals  with  a  few  small  loaves  and  fishes,  as  man  he  was 
hungry  ;  as  man  he  wept  over  the  grave  of  Lazarus,  as  God 
he  commanded  the  dead  to  come  forth ;  as  God  he  said  to  the 
repenting  thief  on  the  cross,  "  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with  me 
in  Paradise,"  as  man  he  exclaimed,  "  I  thirst ;"  as  God  he 


332  THE   PREACHING    OP    CHRIST. 

said,  "  I  and  my  Father  are  one ;"  as  man  he  said,  "  My 
Father  is  greater  than  I."  It  was  necessary  that  he  should 
be  God  and  man  in  one  Divine  person ;  man  that  he  might 
suffer,  and  God  that  he  might  give  efficacy  to  his  sufferings ; 
man  that  he  might  bear  the  Divine  wrath,  God  that  he  miglit 
be  sustained  under  it.  This  is  the  Saviour  Paul  exhibited, 
and  this  same  Jesus  we  preach  unto  you. 


NOVEMBER    1. 

THE  PREACHING   OF  CHRIST. 

"  Ch.rist  is  preached." — Phil.  i.  18. 

And  he  is  to  be  regarded,  not  only  in  the  glory  of  his  per- 
son, but 

In  the  execution  of  his  offices.  He  is  the  Mediator 
between  God  and  man.  What  a  glorious  work  he  came  to 
perform  !  a  work  involving  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  eternal 
happiness  of  millions  of  the  human  race.  He  sustains  the 
threefold  office  of  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King  —  he  has  the 
wisdom  of  a  Prophet,  the  sanctity  of  a  Priest,  and  the  power 
of  a  King,  The  clouds  of  ignorance  are  chased  away  by  his 
wisdom  —  the  guilt  of  sin  is  expiated  by  his  blood  —  and  the 
enmity  of  the  heart  is  subdued  by  his  power.  Christ  must  be 
preached 

In  the  bestowment  of  his  blessings.  These  are  Divine 
in  their  origin,  countless  in  their  number,  inestimable  in  their 
value,  and  eternal  in  their  continuance.  Let  us  allude  to  some 
of  them.  There  is  his  Spirit.  The  Spirit  is  given  to  en- 
lighten the  mind,  convince  the  conscience,  renovate  the  heart, 
and  comfort  the  soul.  There  is  pardon.  He  pardons  freely, 
wholly,  and  so  as  to  remember  our  sins  no  more.  The  righte- 
ousness which  the  Christian  possesses  is  wrought  out  by  Christ, 
proclaimed  in  the  Gospel,  applied  by  the  Spirit,  and  received 
by  faith.  There  is  grace.  He  gives  enlightening,  pardoning, 
sanctifying,  enriching,  and  supporting  grace  —  and  this  he 
gives  to  the  humble.  Should  all  the  showers  of  heaven 
alight  on  the  lofty  mountain,  they  rest  not  there ;  they  hasten 
from  its  barren  top  to  bless  the  valley  with  fertility  and  ver- 
dure ;  what  the  showers  are  to  the  valley,  grace  is  to  the  lowly 
soul.  There  is  glory.  "  The  Lord  will  give  grace  and  glory." 
He  gives  grace  first,  and  then  crowns  it  with  glory.  Let  us 
rejoice  that  Christ  is  preached  as  the  sinner's  friend  and  the 
saint's  consolation.     He  is  preached,  but  has  he  been  received  ? 


THE    POWER    OP    GOD    DISPLAYED    IN    CHRIST.  333 

NOVEMBER    2. 

THE  POWER  OF  GOD  DISPLAYED  IN  CHRIST. 

"  Christ  the  power  of  God."— 1  Cor.  i.  24. 

Redemption  through  Christ  was  the  great  design  formed 
in  the  counsels  of  peace  from  eternity,  early  intimated  in  the 
iirst  promise,  gradually  unfolded  from  age  to  age,  and  com- 
pletely revealed  in  the  fulness  of  time  when  God  was  mani- 
fest in  the  flesh.  Christ  crucilied  is  the  subject  of  the  numer- 
ous promises,  the  hope  of  the  ancient  patriai'chs,  the  signilica- 
tion  of  the  Old  Testament  types  and  ceremonies,  and  the 
substance  of  the  New  Testament  Scriptures  :  verses  22  —  24. 
Believers  behold  the  power  of  God  wonderfully  displayed  in 
Christ.     It  is  seen 

In  the  union  between  His  Divine  and  human  na- 
tures. Hei'e  is  the  exceeding  greatness  of  God's  power. 
That  two  natures,  in  themselves  infinitely  distant  and  distinct, 
should  meet  by  personal  union,  is  a  mystery  far  beyond  the 
grasp  of  our  finite  minds.  Here  time  and  eternity,  weakness 
and  omnipotence,  meanness  and  majesty,  the  creature  and  the 
Creator,  unite.  Here  the  everlasting  Father  becomes  a  lit- 
tle child,  and  David's  Lord  is  David's  Son. 

In  the  mikacees  he  performed.  At  his  command  the 
water  was  turned  into  wine,  the  wind  and  the  sea  obeyed  him, 
and  the  tempest  was  hushed  into  a  calm.  What  but  the  power 
of  a  God  could  have  given  sight  to  the  blind,  and  raised  the 
dead  ? 

In  the  sufferings  he  endured.  None  but  a  God  of 
infinite  power  could  have  inflicted  them,  none  but  a  God  of  in- 
finite power  could  bear  them.  We  refer  principally  to  the 
sufferings  of  his  soul.  When  his  enemies  mocked  and  cruelly 
treated  him,  he  said,  "  Father,  forgive  them  ;  for  they  know 
not  what  they  do."  But  when  the  cup  of  divine  wrath  was 
presented  to  him,  he  became  exceedingly  sorrowful  even  unto 
death,  and  cried,  "  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken 
me?" 

In  his  glorious  resurrection.  By  it  he  was  "de- 
clared to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power."  It  was  according 
to  the  working  of  his  mighty  power,  E])h.  i.  19,  20.  The 
resniTcction  of  Christ  is  one  of  the  fundamental  doctrines 
of  Christianity.  He  burst  the  bars  of  death,  and  rose  triumph- 
ant from  the  tomb. 


334  WISDOM    OF    GOD    DISPLAYED    IN    CHRIST. 

In  the  WORK  OF  Divine  grace.  The  power  of  God  is 
manifested  with  regard  to  the  conversion  of  every  sinner,  in 
the  enlightening  of  the  mind,  the  spiritualizing  of  the  affec- 
tions, the  subjugation  of  the  will,  and  the  renewal  of  the  heart ; 
and  it  is  manifested  in  the  believer's  growth  in  grace.  This 
power  must  be  displayed  in  us,  either  in  our  eternal  happi- 
ness, or  in  our  everlasting  condemnation. 


NOVEMBER    3. 

THE  WISDOM  OF  GOD  DISPLAYED  IN  CHRIST. 

"  Christ  the  wisdom  of  God."  —  1  Cor.  i.  24. 

Christ  is  the  grand  figure  set  forth  in  the  picture  of  the 
Gospel  —  the  talents,  learning,  and  eloquence  of  ministers  are 
not  to  be  regarded  as  colors  to  adorn  it,  but  as  the  dark  ground 
in  the  picture  to  show  it  more  clearly  —  they  are  not  the  light, 
but  the  lamp  that  holds  it  —  they  are  the  earthen  vessels  in 
which  the  heavenly  ti'easure  is  deposited.  Let  us  see  how  the 
wisdom  of  God  is  displayed  in  Christ. 

In  obtaining  a  fit  Mediator  between  God  and  man. 
A  mediator,  or  peacemaker,  is  supposed  to  have  a  common 
interest  in  both  parties  ;  and,  in  effecting  a  reconciliation,  he  is 
to  be  the  impartial  judge  of  the  i-ights  or  injuries  of  both. 
The  Son  of  God,  by  his  incarnation,  Avas  perfectly  possessed 
of  every  requisite  qualification,  because  all  Divine  and  human 
excellences  are  united  in  him.  As  a  Prophet,  it  was  necessary 
that  he  should  be  God  to  reveal  the  purposes  of  heaven  con- 
cerning our  salvation  —  and  man,  that  he  might  make  known 
the  Divine  will  in  a  way  suited  to  the  human  race.  As  a 
Priest,  it  was  necessary  that  he  should  be  man,  that  he  miglit 
suffer;  and  God,  to  give  efficacy  to  his  sufferings.  As  a  King, 
it  was  necessary  he  should  be  God,  to  subdue  our  enemies, 
and  man,  that  his  infinite  greatness  might  not  overwhelm  us 
with  awe.     But  the  wisdom  of  God  is  seen 

In  answering  the   opposite  claims  of  justice  and 

MERCY  to  the  MANIFESTATION  OP  THE  GLORY  OF  BOTH. 

Upon  the  introduction  of  sin  into  the  world,  the  glory  of  God's 
justice  seemed  absolutely  irreconcilable  with  the  salvation  of 
man.     Justice  required  that   "the  soul   that  sinneth  should 


ANTICIPATION    OF    CIIRIST's    SUFFERINGS.  335 

ilie ; "  mercy  replied,  Let  the  rebel  live.  The  difficulty  to 
all  created  minds  was,  how  both  these  perfections  might  obtain 
tlieir  demands,  and  be  equally  glorified.  All  is  accomplished 
in  Christ  crucified  —  the  glory  of  justice  shines  in  the  suffer- 
ings of  the  Saviour,  and  the  glory  of  mercy  is  displayed  in 
the  salvation  of  the  sinner.     The  wisdom  of  God  appears 

In  accomplishing  the  ^iost  glorious  ends  by  the 
MOST  UNLIKELY  MEANS.  Who  would  have  thought  of  the  cross 
as  the  instrument  employed  for  the  achievement  of  such  a 
mighty  conquest  as  the  Captain  of  our  salvation  obtained  ?  It 
now  iurnis  a  connecting  link  between  God  and  man  —  a  focus 
to  which  all  the  rays  of  the  Divine  glory  are  drawn — ^^a  shad- 
ed arch  through  which  we  see  the  visions  of  the  Eternal.  Let 
me  gaze,  and  admire,  and  pray  that  the  Gospel  may  be  made 
the  wisdom  of  God  unto  me. 


NOVEMBER    4. 

THE  ANTICIPATION  OF  CHRIST'S  SUFFERINGS. 

"  And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  tlie  earth,  will  draw  all  men  unto  me."  —  John.  xil.  32. 

What  an  intimate  connection  is  there  between  the  Old 
and  New  Testament !  they  may  be  compared  to  the  two  che- 
rubims,  overshadowing  the  mercy-seat,  face  to  face.  The  one 
is  the  outline,  the  other  is  the  filling  of  it  up ;  the  one  is  the 
picture,  the  other  the  original.  Our  Lord,  in  the  passage  be- 
fore us,  alludes  to  the  brazen  serpent  which  IMoses  lifted  up  in 
the  wilderness,  and  which  was  a  type  of  Christ.  Sin  is  the 
malady  with  which  we  are  infected,  Satan  is  the  old  serpent 
with  which  we  are  stung,  Christ  is  the  brazen  serpent  lifted  up 
for  the  healing  of  the  nations,  faith  is  the  eye  that  beholds  him. 
As  the  Israelites  were  not  healed  except  they  looked  on  the 
brazen  serpent,  so  the  sinner  cannot  be  saved  without  the  ex- 
ercise of  faith.     Let  us  contemplate  the  Saviour  in 

The  ANTICIPATION  OF  HIS  SUFFERINGS. 

W/ie7i  he  died,  he  was  lifted  up.  By  this  the  price  of  sal- 
vation was  paid.  There  was  something  ajipalling  in  the  man- 
ner of  crucifixion  among  the  Romans.  The  individual  about 
to  suffer  death,  had  to  bear  the  cross  on  his  shoulders  to  the 
place  of  execution  :  before  the  cross  was  fixed  in  the  ground, 


336         THE    ANNOUNCEMENT    OF    CHRIST's    SUCCESS. 

his  hands  and  feet,  the  most  sensitive  parts  of  the  body,  were 
nailed  to  it,  a  hole  was  previously  made  in  the  earth,  and  the 
cross  was  lifted  erect,  and  thrust  into  it,  which  caused  the 
most  excruciating  agony.  The  Saviour  was  lifted  up  as  an 
object  of  scorn  to  his  enemies  who  derided  him ;  an  object  of 
pity  to  his  friends  who  lamented  him,  and  as  a  sacrifice  to 
offended  justice.  Now  was  the  Lamb  of  God  led  to  the  great 
altar  of  atonement. 

When  he  rose,  he  was  lifted  up.  By  this  the  deed  of  sal- 
vation was  insured.  His  first  lifting  up  was  attended  with 
shame,  but  the  second  was  connected  with  honor.  It  was  not 
possible  that  he  should  be  holden  of  the  pains  of  death  ;  for 
how  then  could  the  Divine  purposes  be  accomplished,  or  the 
Scripture  be  fulfilled  ? 

When  he  is  preached,  he  is  lifted  up.  In  this  way  salvation 
is  proclaimed.  This  is  the  great  design  of  the  Gospel  ministry. 
Matthew  Henry  remarks,  the  Scripture  is  the  circle  of  faith, 
around  which  it  walks,  and  every  point  of  which  compass  it 
touches,  yet  the  centre  of  it  is  Christ,  that  is  the  polar  star 
on  which  it  rests.  We  lift  him  up  in  his  essential  glories  as 
God,  and  in  his  Mediatorial  excellences  as  man,  in  the  mag- 
nitude of  his  love,  the  greatness  of  his  work,  the  suitableness 
of  his  salvation,  the  riches  of  his  mercy,  and  the  splendor  of 
his  reign.  Let  me  inquire  if  the  Saviour  is  exalted  in  my 
views  and  opinions,  in  my  experience  and  desires,  and  in  my 
conduct  and  conversation.  In  all  things  he  must  have  the 
pi'e-eminence. 


NOVEMBER    5. 

THE  ANNOUNCEMENT  OF  CHRIST'S  SUCCESS. 

"  And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  will  draw  all  men  unto  me."  —  John  xii.  32. 

"While  the  former  part  of  this  verse  presents  the  Saviour 
before  us,  in  the  anticipation  of  his  sufferings,  the  latter  part 
of  it  exhibits^  to  our  view 

The  announcement  of  his  success.  Observe 
The  objects  regarded.  "  Men."  Why  not  angels  ?  Here 
we  see  the  sovereignty  of  God.  "  Verily  he  took  not  on  him," 
or  as  the  Greek  word  signifies,  he  took  not  hold  of,  "  the  na- 
ture of  angels,  but  he  took  on  him  the  seed  of  Abraham."  He 
assumed  man's  nature,  that  he  might  atone  for  man's  sin. 


THE   ANNOUNCEMENT    OF    CHRIST's    SUCCESS.  337 

The  numher  included.  "  All  men."  One  nation  was  to  be 
blest  in  Abraham  ;  but  in  his  seed,  and  by  virtue  of  the  prom- 
ised Messiah,  all  nations  were  to  be  blest.  "  To  liim,"  said 
Jacob,  "  shall  the  gathering  of  the  people  be."  There  is  no 
limit  to  the  atonement  of  Christ,  but  that  which  arises  from 
our  unbelief;  this  is  the  grand  impediment  that  hinders  the 
blessings  of  salvation  from  ilowing  into  our  souls. 

The  meiliod  employed.  He  will  draw  all  men  to  him. 
Though  he  is  a  stumbling-stone  to  some,  he  is  a  loadstone  to 
others.  We  lift  up  the  cross  as  an  ensign  for  the  ])eople,  and 
blow  the  trumpet  of  the  Gospel,  that  you  may  gather  around 
it  as  a  direction ;  pointing  the  way  to  glory,  that  you  may 
di'aw  near,  and  pursue  the  road  to  a  blissful  immortality. 

The  agent  specified.  "  I  will  do  it,"  says  our  Redeemer. 
"  I  once  said  to  myself,"  says  Cecil,  "  in  the  foolishness  of  my 
heart,  what  sort  of  a  sermon  must  that  have  been,  preached 
by  St.  Peter,  when  three  thousand  were  converted  ?  Such 
as  other  sermons,  there  was  nothing  in  it  extraordinary  :  the 
effect  was  not  produced  by  his  eloquence,  but  by  the  mighty 
power  of  God." 

The  destination  mentioned.  "  Unto  me."  "\Ve  are  far  from 
Christ  by  nature,  but  are  brought  near  to  him  by  grace.  We 
are  dead,  and  are  drawn  to  him  as  our  life ;  we  are  condemn- 
ed, and  come  to  him  as  the  Lord  our  righteousness ;  Ave  are 
unholy,  and  acknowledge  him  as  our  sanctification.  Sinners 
are  drawn  to  the  cross,  the  closet,  the  sanctuary,  the  Lord's 
table,  and  finally  to  heaven  itself. 

The  certainty  expressed.  "  I  loill  draw  all  men  unto  me." 
Thus  he  insures  the  ultimate  success  of  his  cause.  The  fields 
are  white  to  harvest,  and  many  a  full  ripe  sheaf  is  being 
gathered  in  ;  there  seems  to  be  a  general  movement  in  all 
parts  of  the  world ;  multitudes  are  starting  up  to  catch  the 
healing  beams  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  —  the  walls  of 
China  have  been  penetrated,  and  its  inhabitants  can  read  in 
their  own  language  the  wonderful  works  of  God  —  light  is 
advancing  in  the  eastern  Archipelago  —  the  clouds  are  flying 
from  the  South  Sea  Islands  —  along  the  deserts  of  Africa  the 
Rose  of  Sharon  is  seen  to  bloom  —  America  is  advancing  in 
the  light  of  the  Lord,  and  from  Christians  in  various  parts  of 
Europe  the  Gospel  is  sounding  out.  The  Lord  of  the  vine- 
yard comes  out  to  his  laborers,  and  cries,  "  Work  while  it  is 
called  to-day.  As  truly  as  I  live,  the  whole  earth  shall  be 
filled  with  my  glory." 
29 


338  THE    CHRISTIAN   DEAD    TO    SIN. 

NOVEMBER    6. 

THE  CHRISTIAN  DEAD  TO  SIN. 

"  Likewise,  reckon  ye  also  yourselves  to  Ije  dead  indeed  unto  sin." — Eom.  vi.  11. 

What  a  great  difference  there  is  between  the  man  of  the 
world  and  the  Christian  !  The  one  is  dead  to  the  pleasures  of 
i-eligion  and  the  things  of  God,  but  alive  to  the  world  and 
the  objects  of  time ;  the  other  is  dead  indeed  unto  sin,  but 
alive  unto  God.     Let  us  notice 

The  Christian's  death.  "  Dead  indeed  unto  sin."  He 
is  not  dead  to  the  being  of  sin :  it  still  lives  in  him,  though  he 
cannot  live  in  it.  Let  us  inquire  in  what  sense  he  is  dead  to 
sin.  To  the  dominion  of  sin.  "For  sin  shall  not  have  do- 
minion over  you,"  ver,  14.  Though  it  has  an  existence  in 
the  soul,  it  has  not  a  throne  in  the  heart  —  it  rages,  but  it 
does  not  reign.  To  the  curse  of  sin.  To  this  all  are  exposed 
by  nature  ;  but,  by  virtue  of  his  interest  in  Christ,  the  believ- 
er is  delivered  from  it.  To  the  destroying  power  of  sin. 
Those  who  are  united  to  Christ  are  rescued  from  its  calami- 
tous influence,  and  shall  be  preserved  blameless  at  his  coming. 
If  I  am  a  Christian,  sin  may  distui'b,  but  it  cannot  destroy 
me.  "  The  strength  of  sin  is  the  law ;"  but  I  am  not  under  the 
law,  but  under  grace.  To  the  final  doom  of  sin.  This  is  felt 
in  the  caverns  of  eternal  darkness  and  despair,  by  those  who 
die  impenitent.  But  the  Christian  is  delivered  from  it.  How 
can  he  pex-ish,  when  we  are  assured  that  "  he  which  hath  be- 
gun a  good  work  in  him,  will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus 
Christ"  !  He  may  backslide  from  the  ways  of  religion,  but  if 
a  true  Christian  he  shall  be  restored ;  the  light  within  him 
may  be  obscured,  but  never  can  be  extinguished.  "  The  altar 
of  prayer  in  his  spiritual  temple  may  lie  in  ruins,  and  the 
grass  may  grow  on  its  steps ;  yonder  holy  images  may  be 
thrust  out,  or  be  scarcely  recognized  through  the  fading  of 
their  colors ;  and  the  poor  heart,  once  so  beautifully  adorned, 
may  be  again  like  a  deserted  dwelling,  where  in  the  desolate 
chambers  only  night  birds  dwell,  and  wind  and  weather 
find  on  every  side  free  admission  ;  yet  the  lamp  of  conviction, 
'  Thou  art  the  Christ,'  still  flickers  solitary  in  the  wasted 
halls  over  ruin  and  rubbish.  The  divine  flame  of  this  con- 
viction still  remains ;  that  to-day,  or  to-morrow,  sooner  or 
later,  it  may  light  back  the  lost  sheep  into  the  arms  of  its 
Shepherd." 


THE    CHRISTIAN   ALIVE    TO    GOD.  339 

NOVEMBER    7. 

THE  CHRISTIAN  ALIVE  TO  GOD. 

"  But  alive  unto  God,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord." — Rom.  vi.  11. 

That  is  a  memorable  saying  of  Paul's,  "  Ye  are  dead,  and 
your  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God."  In  one  sense  the  believ- 
er is  dead,  but  in  another  he  is  alive.     Let  us  now  speak  of 

The  Christian's  life.     Look  at 

The  nature  of  it.  By  nature  all  are  dead  ;  sin  is  the  mor- 
al murderer  of  man  ;  it  is  a  death  to  holiness,  happiness,  hope, 
and  heaven.  But  the  Christian  is  alive.  His  is  a  life  of 
righteousness  —  a  life  of  humility  —  a  life  of  joy  —  a  myste- 
rious life.  "  Your  life  is  hid."  It  is  mysterious  in  its  nature, 
in  its  commencement,  in  the  means  by  which  it  is  effected,  in 
the  manner  in  which  it  is  maintained,  and  in  the  way  by 
which  it  is  consummated.  By  what  unlikely  means  does  the 
Almighty  sometimes  impart  this  principle  of  life !  Where, 
inquires  one,  has  he  made  the  regeneration  of  his  chosen  en- 
tirely dependent  on  human  instrumentality  ?  Lo  !  in  the  midst 
of  the  desert  he  often  plants  with  his  own  hands  the  loveliest 
roses  ;  and  from  the  rudest  copse  we  often  hear  the  sweetest 
notes  of  the  nightingale. 

The  property  ascribed  to  it.  "  Alive  unto  God."  We  live 
to  good  purpose  when  we  live  to  God ;  when  we  are  alive  to 
his  word,  ordinances,  ways,  and  glory.  This  life  is  according 
to  the  purpose  of  God,  Rom.  viii.  29,  30  —  by  the  exertion 
of  his  omnipotent  power  —  and  designed  for  the  promotion  of 
his  glory. 

The  medium  of  it.  "  Through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord." 
He  is  the  procurer  of  it ;  "I  am  come  that  they  might  have 
life."  He  is  the  principle  of  it ;  he  is  emphatically  designa- 
ted "  our  life."  He  is  the  pattern  of  it ;  believers  are  only 
holy  and  happy  as  they  conform  themselves  to  Christ.  He  is 
the  glory  and  crown  of  it ;  take  Christ  away,  and  you  under- 
mine the  foundation,  and  leave  the  building  in  ruins.  Can  we 
say  that  he  is  "  our  life  "  ? 

"  On  thy  dear  cross  I  fix  my  eyes, 
Then  raise  them  to  thy  seat ; 
Till  love  dissolves  my  inmost  soul, 
At  my  Redeemei-'s  feet." 


340  THE    GLORY    CONFERRED    ON   BELIEVERS. 

NOVEMBER   8. 

THE  GLORY  CONFERRED  ON   BELIEVERS. 

"  And  the  glory  which  thou  gavest  me,  I  have  given  them  ;  that  they  may  be  one, 
even  as  we  are  one." — John  xvii.  22. 

The  believer  may  contemplate  these  words,  and  see  how 
large  his  jjossessions  and  how  glorious  his  prospects  are ;  the 
sinner  may  read  it,  and  observe  how  much  he  loses  by  being 
an  enemy  to  the  Son  of  God. 

The  glory  conferred.  The  glory  here  spoken  of  is  not 
that  which  essentially  belongs  to  Christ ;  the  meaning  is,  that 
he  has  given  to  his  people  an  interest  in  that  glory  which  God 
gave  him  as  Mediator,  as  their  head  and  representative. 
There  is  in  it  a  resemblance,  though  not  a  perfect  conformity. 

God  bestowed  on  him  glorious  gifts.  The  gifts  and  graces 
of  the  Spirit  were  imparted  to  him  without  measure.  The 
same  gifts  and  graces  of  the  Spirit  Christ  gave  to  his  disciples. 
"  Ye  have  an  unction  from  the  Holy  One,  and  ye  know  all 
things."  As  the  brightness  of  the  sun  is  reflected  in  a  dew- 
drop,  so  the  glory  of  Christ,  the  Sun  of  righteousness,  beams 
in  the  humblest  Christian. 

God  conferred  on  him  glorious  titles.  He  is  designated  the 
Prophet,  Priest,  and  King  of  his  Church.  Believers  are 
called  prophets,  because,  by  divine  illumination,  they  know 
the  will  of  God;  they  are  made  priests  unto  God,  to  offer  up 
spiritual  sacrifices  ;  they  are  called  kings,  because  the  king- 
dom of  God  is  within  them. 

God  insured  him  a  glorious  conquest.  Christ  was  support- 
ed by  the  Father  in  the  performance  of  his  work ;  and  the 
Christian  derives  from  the  Saviour  a  sufficiency  of  grace. 
Christ  obtained  a  complete  victory  over  all  his  foes,  and  his 
people  shall  be  more  than  conquerers. 

God  gave  him  a  gloi'ious  resurrection.  Death  had  not  long 
to  triumph  over  liis  prey  ;  the  grave  had  not  long  to  retain  her 
prisoner.  How  glorious  shall  the  believer's  resurrection  be  ! 
"  He  shall  change  this  vile  body,  and  fashion  it  like  unto  his 
own  glorious  body." 

God  set  before  him  a  glorious  reward.  He  had  a  glorious 
kingdom,  a  glorious  sceptre,  a  glorious  throne,  and  a  glorious 
crown.  In  these  glories,  his  people  Avill  participate.  Thus 
Paul  speaks  of  the  obtaining  of  the  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  What  advantages  do  Christians  derive  by  virtue  of 
their  interest  in  Christ  ?  If  they  suffer  with  him,  they  shall 
be  glorified  together. 


THE   INTERESTING    UNION.  341 

NOVEMBEK    9. 

THE  INTERESTING  UNION. 

"  And  the  glory  which  thou  gayest  me  1  hare  given  them  ;  that  they  may  be  one, 
even  as  we  are  one." — John  xvii.  22. 

Having  noticed  from  this  verse  the  glory  conferred,  we 
have  now  to  consider 

The  DESIGN  STATED.  "  That  they  may  he  one,  even  as 
we  are  one."  This  is  a  sublime  and  godlike  end  indeed.  The 
meaning  is,  that  they  may  be  nnited  in  the  most  beneficial  and 
honorable  manner  to  Chi-ist,  and  to  one  anothei',  in  resem- 
blance of  that  infinitely  higlier  union  which  subsists  between 
the  Father  and  the  Son.     Observe 

The  fact  of  tJiis  union.  It  consists  in  a  joint  profession 
and  experience  of  tlie  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  a  firm  and  uni- 
ted adherence  to  all  divine  ordinances.  Truth  must  be  laid  as 
the  foundation  of  unity  among  Christ's  followers  ;  for  a  union 
in  error  and  wickedness  is  but  a  faction.  They  are  all  one 
in  Christ  Jesus.  It  is  a  pleasing  illustration,  that  the  simi- 
larity of  dew-drops  in  pureness  and  beauty,  although  formed 
from  all  the  varieties  of  vapor,  is  like  that  uniform  spirit 
wliich  characterizes  the  diversified  classes  of  mankind,  who 
are  brought  to  believe  on  Christ  for  salvation.  There  is  a 
unity  of  faith,  a  unity  of  principle,  a  imity  of  spirit,  a  unity 
of  affection  and  desire,  a  unity  of  aim  and  pursuit,  and  a 
unity  of  anticipation.  In  the  world  above,  this  union  shall 
be  perfect  and  complete. 

The  resemblance  of  this  union.  "  Even  as  wc  are  one." 
These  two  unions  are  not  alike  in  all  respects.  There  are 
three  points  of  resemblance  that  may  be  traced.  They  are 
the  same  in  their  spirituality.  It  is  not  a  union  of  bodies, 
but  of  spirits.  Thus  we  read  of  the  primitive  Christians,  that 
they  were  of  one  heart  and  one  soul.  In  their  intimacy. 
The  union  between  the  Father  and  Son  is  very  close,  so  is  that 
of  believers,  they  are  said  to  be  members  one  of  another.  In 
their  di/ration.  They  are  both  indissolul)le.  Believers  may 
be  divided  in  judgment  and  opinion,  and  separated  into  sects 
and  parties  ;  but  as  they  are  members  of  the  mystical  body 
of  Christ,  they  cannot  be  cut  asundei*.  This  is  the  design  for 
which  Christ  has  promised  such  glory  to  his  people,  and  shall 
we  not  put  glory  on  him  ?     Honor  him  by  meditating  on  his 

29* 


342  THE    NATURE    OF    CIIRIST's    INSTRUCTIONS. 

glories,  proclaiming  liis  excellences,  showing  forth  his  praise, 
and  endeavoring  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of 
peace. 


NOVEMBER    10. 

THE  NATURE    OF   CHRIST'S  INSTRUCTIONS. 

"  And  I  hare  declared  unto  them  thy  name,  and  will  declare  it ;  that  the  love  where- 
■with  thou  hast  loved  me  maybe  in  them,  and  I  in  them." — John  xvii.  26. 

These  are  the  closing  words  of  our  Lord's  intercessory 
prayer.  Here  is  a  reference  to  past  instructions  given,  and 
future  tuition  yet  to  be  enjoyed.  None  ever  made  such  pro- 
ficiency in  the  school  of  Christ  on  earth,  as  that  he  could 
learn  no  more.     In  this  passage  observe 

The  nature  of  our  Saviour's  instructions. 

The  subject  of  his  revelation.  What  did  he  declare  ? 
"  Thy  name."  God  has  been  pleased  to  ascribe  names  to 
himself  in  Scripture,  that  some  knowledge  of  his  nature  and 
perfections  may  be  conveyed  to  us.  By  "  his  name"  here,  is 
particularly  meant  his  will  and  purpose  concerning  our  salva- 
tion, and  Ills  grace  and  mei-cy  therein  displayed.  Can  we 
imagine  any  thing  more  important  than  the  truths  our  Lord 
came  to  reveal? 

The  means  hy  which  he  imparts  it.  He  revealed  God's 
name  when  he  was  upon  earth  in  his  own  person ;  but  now  he 
is  in  heaven,  he  does  it  by  the  instrumentality  of  others.  He 
does  it  externally  by  the  word.  In  the  Gospel  we  have  the 
name  of  God  revealed  in  all  its  glory  and  excellency;  so 
plainly,  that  he  who  runs  may  read.  Here  his  name  appears 
as  "  the  sinner's  friend,  and  sin's  eternal  foe."  Internally  by 
his  Spirit.  The  Spirit  illumines  the  mind,  takes  away  the 
veil  of  ignorance  from  the  heart,  and  causes  the  true  light  to 
shine.     He  is  an  interpreter ;  one  among  a  thousand. 

The  progressive  manner  in  which  it  is  communicated.  "  And 
will  declare  it."  This  was  true  of  the  disciples ;  by  the  out- 
pouring of  the  influences  of  his  Spirit,  he  taught  them  much 
more  after  he  left  the  world.  So  he  cai-ries  on  the  work  of 
instruction  now  in  the  minds  of  his  people.  "  Then  shall  ye 
know,  if  ye  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord."  Have  you  learned 
of  him  ?  There  are  three  marks  belonging  to  such :  they 
have  been  taught  the  evil  of  sin  in  the  school  of  the  law,  the 
love  of  Chrisc  in  the  school  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  lesson  of 
patience  in  the  school  of  affliction. 


GOB    THE   believer's    PORTION.  343 

NOVEMBER    11. 

THE  DESIGN  OF  CHRIST'S  INSTRUCTIONS. 

"  And  I  liaTe  declared  unto  them  thy  name,  and  will  declare  it ;  that  the  love 
wherewith  thou  hast  loved  me  may  bo  in  them,  and  I  in  them."  —  John  xvii.  26. 

Let  us  now  contemplate 

The  END  FOR  wiiicn  these  instructions  were  giv- 
en.    It  is  twofold. 

2Vie  possession  of  God's  love.  There  is  a  resemblance 
between  the  Father's  love  to  the  Son,  and  his  love  to  be- 
lievers. This  love  must  be  in  us  in  its  effects.  Its  fruits  are 
felt  Avhen  we  are  savingly  brought  to  God  in  conversion. 
Then  it  is  in  us  as  a  living,  influential  pi-inciple ;  or,  as  one 
has  expressed  it,  like  the  virtue  which  the  loadstone  gives  to 
the  needle,  inclining  it  to  move  towards  the  pole ;  it  draws 
out  the  soul  toward  God  in  pious  and  devout  affections.  In 
its  experience.  I  mean,  when  we  have  such  a  sense  and 
feeling  of  it,  that  we  are  assured  that  it  is  shed  abroad  in  our 
hearts,  and  that  we  are  the  objects  of  the  Divine  favor.  The 
love  of  God  in  us,  as  to  its  effects,  is  like  ointment  shut  up  in 
a  box  ;  but  in  its  enjoyment  and  assurance,  it  is  like  ointment 
poured  forth.  The  safety  of  a  Christian  consists  in  the  fact 
that  God  loves  him,  and  has  forgiven  his  sins  ;  but  his  com- 
fort arises  from  the  sensible  apprehension  and  feeling  of  it. 

The  indwelling  of  Christ.  "  And  I  in  them."  This  we 
are  to  understand  of  the  mystical  union  Avhich  exists  between 
Christ  and  his  people.  How  does  Christ  dwell  in  us  ?  By 
his  Spirit.  He  dwells  in  us  as  a  Comforter,  Teacher,  Guide, 
AVitness,  and  Advocate.  By  his  word.  "  Let  the  word  of 
Christ  dwell  in  you  richly."  This  word  dwells  in  us  richly 
when  it  is  carefully  studied,  firmly  believed,  prayerfully  read, 
closely  applied,  and  conscientiously  practised.  By  fi\ith.  The 
apostle  prays  for  the  Ephesians,  "  that  Christ  may  dwell  in 
your  hearts  by  faith."  If  Christ  is  such  a  blessed  inhabitant,  let 
us  open  our  hearts  to  receive  him.  He  brings  salvationwith  him. 


NOVEMBER    12. 

GOD  THE  BELIEVER'S  PORTION. 

•■  The  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul."  —  Lam.  iii.  24. 

Jeremiah  was  peculiarly  situated  when  he  penned  ibis 
book.  He  lived  in  the  time  of  the  Babylonish  captivity,  and 
was  an  eye-witness  to  the  destruction  of  the  temple  at  Jeru- 
salem.    After  he  beheld  these  distressing  scenes,  he  sat  down 


M4  GOD    THE    believer's    PORTION. 

and  wrote  the  book  of  Lamentations.  In  the  storm  of  judg- 
ment, he  had  the  sunshine  of  mercy.     Consider 

The  nature  op  the  believer's  portion. 

It  is  a  present  portion.  There  are  many  who  are  looking 
forward  to  future  possessions  they  expect  to  enjoy  at  the 
death  of  others,  but  the  individual  who  has  God  has  obtained 
a  present  portion.  Religion  not  only  secures  to  us  futui-e 
happiness,  but  present  comforts  ;  yet  how  few  seek  it !  how 
many  say,  It  is  too  soon  to  be  religious  !  On  what  mode  of 
reasoning  do  you  delay  ?  Because  you  are  young  ?  Do  n't 
the  young  die  ?  Because  you  are  possessed  of  health  ?  How 
many  a  blooming  flower  has  been  suddenly  cut  down  by  the 
scythe  of  death !  We  never  hear  individuals  say,  It  is  too 
soon  to  get  rich.  The  sick  man  does  not  say,  It  is  too  soon 
to  seek  health  ;  or  the  destitute.  It  is  too  soon  to  obtain  relief ; 
but  such  is  the  treachery  of  the  human  heart,  that  man  says, 
It  is  too  soon  to  seek  religion. 

It  is  a  suitahle  portion.  The  world  is  not.  An  individual 
may  possess  riches,  but  it  is  grace  he  wants  ;  he  may  have 
elevation,  but  it  is  humility  he  wants  ;  he  may  have  friends, 
but  it  is  Christ  he  wants,  the  friend  that  sticketh  closer  than 
a  brother.  What  will  suit  us  amid  the  trying  scenes  of  life, 
and  in  the  solemn  hour  of  death,  but  this  portion  ? 

It  is  a  sufficient  portion.  There  is  enough  in  God  for  all 
the  requirements  of  the  soul ;  —  enough  for  life  and  death, 
time  and  eternity. 

It  is  a  needful  portion.  IMany  things  combine  to  show 
this  :  the  testimony  of  Scripture,  the  experience  of  all  be- 
lievers, the  joys  of  heaven  by  its  possession,  and  the  terror 
of  hell  by  its  loss.     "  One  thing  is  needful." 

It  is  an  atfainaile  por'tion.  But  where  ?  Not  in  the 
Avorld  ;  —  all  is  perishing  there.  In  the  sanctuary,  in  the 
Bible,  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Many  cannot  obtain  wealth, 
because  they  have  no  present  capital  to  commence  their  ex- 
ertions in  trade  with ;  but  it  is  not  so  here.  Poverty  is  no 
hindi-ance  ;  riches,  so  far  from  facilitating,  often  prove  a  seri- 
ous barrier.  "  He  that  hath  no  money  "  may  obtain  the  pearl 
of  great  price. 

It  is  an  everlasting  portion.  Oh  to  have  a  portion  when  all 
terrestrial  things  are  at  an  end !  Then  the  Christian  may 
say.  Let  the  world  pass  away,  my  portion  is  not  there ;  let 
riches  take  to  themselves  wings,  my  portion  is  not  there ;  let 
the  elements  melt  with  fervent  heat,  and  all  nature  sink  in 
ruins,  "  Ihe  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul." 


HOW   GOD    IS   THE    BELIEVER'S    PORTION.  345 

NOVEMBER    13. 

HOW  GOD  IS  THE  BELIEVER'S  PORTION. 

"  The  Lord  is  my  portion,  gaith  my  soul."  —  Lam.  iii.  24. 

All  earthly  schemes  of  happiness  are  like  the  broken 
moonbeams  on  the  surface  of  the  troubled  waters  ;  but  re- 
ligion stands  like  a  firm  and  majestic  rock,  defying  the  rage 
of  the  elements,  and  courting  the  sunshine  of  heaven  on  its 
lofty  summit.  Having  noticed  the  nature  of  the  believer's 
jiortion,  let  us  view 

The  manner  in  which  he  becomes  possessed  op  it. 

By  sovereign  choice.  God  is  the  portion  of  his  people,  by 
the  free  and  unmerited  donation  of  himself,  in  the  councils  of 
peace,  from  eternity.  The  Father  saw  man,,  in  his  lost  and 
ruined  condition  ;  the  violated  law  demanded  satisfaction  ;  of- 
fended justice  cried  for  vengeance  ;  truth  said.  Strike  ;  but 
mercy  said.  Spare.  The  Son  came  forward,  and  entered 
into  an  engagement  to  become  our  surety.  The  Spirit  was 
witness  to  the  deed.  Had  it  not  been  for  these  provisions  of 
love,  man  had  never  enjoyed  God  as  his  portion. 

B>/  adopting  mercy.  Men  are  by  nature  the  children  of 
Satan,  alienated  from  God ;  but,  being  regenerated  by  grace, 
they  are  adopted  into  the  family  of  heaven.  "  If  children, 
then  heirs."  This  change  is  produced  not  by  the  application 
of  water  on  the  face,  but  by  the  infusion  of  grace  into  the  soul. 

By  union  to  Christ.  In  the  period  of  conversion,  this 
spiritual  union  takes  place.  "  If  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is 
a  new  creature."  Chi-ist  takes  hold  of  the  soul  by  his  Spirit, 
and  the  soul  lays  hold  on  Christ  by  faith. 

By  experimental  enjoyment.  It  is  not  the  knowledge  of 
the  head,  but  the  experience  of  the  heart,  we  want  to  make 
us  happy.  If  God  is  our  portion,  we  shall  enjoy  him  and 
delight  in  him.  The  mere  professor  of  religion  exclaims 
with  the  tongue,  "  The  Lord  is  my  portion  ;"  but  the  Chris- 
tian alone  can  adopt  the  language  of  the  text,  "  The  Lord  is 
my  portion,  saith  my  soul."  We  have  seen  the  Christian's 
lot :  now  in  what  does  the  unbeliever's  portion  consist  ?  Not 
in  God,  for  you  are  living  without  him: 

"  Your  hope  and  portion  lie  below, 
'T  is  all  the  happiness  j-ou  know  ;  " 

And  all  you  will  know,  till  you  flee  to  Christ. 


34G  THE   INGATHERING    OF    THE    GENTILES. 

NOVEMBER    14. 

THE  INGATHERING  OF  THE  GENTILES. 

"  And  I  say  unto  you,  that  many  shall  come  from  the  east  and  we?t,  and  shall  sit 
down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  — Matt.  Tiii. 

"We  find  in  the  context,  that  our  Saviour  was  requested 
by  a  Roman  centurion  to  heal  his  servant,  who  was  sick  of 
the  palsy.  The  man  discovered  great  humility  and  faith. 
Our  Lord  pronounced  tliis  eulogium  on  him :  "  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  I  have  not  found  so  great  faith,  no,  not  in  Israel ; " 
and  then  uttered  the  language  of  our  text,  in  which  there  are 
several  toj)ics  for  our  consideration. 

The  ACT.  "Many  shall  comeP  We  may  inquire  from 
and  to  Mdiat  they  shall  come.  From  the  ivorship  of  idols,  to 
the  service  of  God.  When  the  dayspring  from  on  high  shall 
visit  the  heathen  nations  now  sitting  in  darkness,  they  shall 
renounce  idolatry,  and  embrace  Christianity.  To  a  sense  of 
their  sin  and  misery.  We  must  come  to  a  sense  of  our  dan- 
ger, before  we  can  realize  the  blessings  of  salvation.  The 
prodigal  came  to  himself  before  he  arose  and  went  to  his 
father.  To  Christ.  To  a  knowledge  of  him,  faith  in  him, 
love  to  him,  and  communion  with  him.  To  heaven.  None 
but  those  who  come  to  Christ  here  can  expect  to  be  with  him 
in  glory.  This  is  the  design  of  the  Gospel,  the  end  of  our 
faith,  and  the  realization  of  all  our  hopes,  to  come  to  the  state 
of  the  blessed  in  heaven. 

The  number.     "  Many  shall  come."    Here  are  two  ideas. 

Greatness  as  to  number.  The  Captain  of  our  salvation 
brings  many  sons  to  glory.  Our  ideas  on  this  subject  are 
perhaps  too  limited.  More  will  be  saved  than  many  seem  to 
imagine.  Great  numbers  have  already  come,  and  thousands 
more  are  on  their  way. 

Diversity  as  to  the  individuals  themselves.  The  Jews  im- 
agined that  they  only  could  be  saved  :  the  Pope  pretended  to 
take  the  keys,  and  shut  the  gates  of  heaven  against  all  those 
who  were  not  of  the  Catholic  faith ;  but  it  must  not  be  so 
with  us.  Christianity  does  not  breathe  the  air  of  but  one 
country,  or  bear  the  color  of  but  one  tribe  of  the  human  fam- 
ily, or  pronounce  the  watchword  of  one  party.  She  holds 
her  throne  in  the  world,  and  is  throwing  her  golden  chain 
around  the  universe,  that  all  may  touch  it  and  be  saved. 
Love,  says  one,  is  the  central  fire  on  the  common  altar  of  our 


THE   FUTTrRE    GLORY    OF    THE    CHURCH.  347 

God,  that  melts  down  our  differences,  or  conceals  them  in  the 
flame  of  the  holy  sacrifice.  Have  I  come  to  Christ?  It 
matters  not  to  me  how  many  come,  if  I  still  remain  at  a  dis- 
tance. 


NOVEMBER    15. 

THE  FUTURE  GLORY  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

"  And  I  say  unto  yon,  that  many  shall  come  from  the  east  and  west,  and  shall  sit 
down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  —  Matt.  Tiii. 

"VYe  have  noticed  from  these  words  the  act  and  the  number  ; 
let  us  now  consider 

The  distance.  "  From  the  east  and  west."  The  two 
extremes  ;  thus,  when  any  great  distance  is  intimated,  it  is 
said.  As  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west.  Is  it  not  a  wonder 
that  God  should  have  a  church  in  our  own  country,  which 
some  centuries  ago  was  only  a  waste  forest,  dark  and  be- 
nighted ?  How  unlikely,  then,  according  to  human  calcula- 
tions, would  it  have  seemed  that  many  should  come  from 
England  !  He  who  has  destroyed  the  idolatry  of  many  of 
tlie  GtMitile  nations,  caused  the  tyranny  of  Rome  to  bend 
beneath  the  mighty  power  of  religion,  and  illuminated  the 
country  in  which  we  live  with  the  light  of  the  glorious  Gos- 
pel, cannot  He  roll  the  wheels  of  his  triumphant  chariot  from 
east  to  west,  and  north  to  south,  till  for  him  the  wilderness 
and  the  solitary  place  sliall  be  glad,  and  the  desert  shall 
rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  rose  ? 

The  iiArpiNEss.  "  And  shall  sit  down  with  Abraham, 
and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  in  tlie  kindom  of  heaven."  Here  is 
the  idea  of  rest,  as  opposed  to  the  toils  and  labors  of  earth. 
Here  the  Christian  pilgrim  is  on  a  journey,  he  is  travelling; 
there  he  shall  sit  down  in  rest  and  tranquillity.  Provision. 
They  shall  sit  down  at  the  heavenly  feast.  It  is  a  feast 
of  redeeming  love  and  sovereign  grace,  a  suitable,  soul- 
satisfying,  and  abundant  feast.  Social  enjoyment.  Men  sit 
down  at  a  feast,  not  only  ibr  the  purpose  of  eating  and  drink- 
ing, but  for  familiar  and  friendly  intercourse.  Part  of  the 
h;ii)piness  of  heaven  will  consist  in  the  communion  of  saints. 
Only  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob  are  named,  but  all  the  rest 
of  the  redeemed  are  included ;  a  part  is  put  for  the  whole. 
Dignity.     We  have  noticed  the  associates  in  this  happiness  : 


348  THE    WAT    OP   THE    RIGHTEOUS. 

let  ns  now  look  at  its  scene  ;  where  is  it  to  be  enjoyed  ?  "  In 
the  kingdom  of  heaven."  The  kingdom  to  which  they  shall 
be  advanced  has  many  excellent  properties.  It  is  a  wealthy, 
joyful,  peaceful,  holy,  extensive,  populous,  and  everlasting 
kingdom. 

The  certainty.  "I  say  unto  you."  This  is  the  authori- 
ty on  which  the  whole  rests.  We  have  the  testimony  of 
Jesus,  and  on  it  we  may  with  confidence  rely.  Many  of  the 
heathen  are  pressing  into  the  kingdom  of  God ;  are  you  still 
loitering  about  the  entrance  ?  Many  of  them  are  the  subjects 
of  grace  ;  are  you  still  in  a  state  of  nature  ?  God  forbid  that 
while  they  shall  sit  down  with  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob, 
you  should  be  cast  out ! 


NOVEMBER    16. 

THE  WAY  OF  THE  RIGHTEOUS. 

"  The  Lord  knoweth  the  way  of  the  righteous."— Psahu  i.  6. 

This  is  a  consoling  truth  to  believers,  when  under  a  cloud : 
their  principles  and  pursuits  are  often  misrepresented ;  but 
such  aspersions  are  only  like  smoke  blown  upon  a  diamond, 
which,  though  it  clouds  its  beauty  for  the  present,  is  easily 
rubbed  off,  and  the  gem  restored  to  its  genuine  lustre.  Let 
us  from  this  passage  observe 

The  Christian's  character.  "  The  righteous."  By 
nature  there  is  none  righteous;  believers  are  entitled  to  the 
appellation,  not  from  human  merit,  but  divine  mei-cy.  How  ? 
By  the  imputation  of  the  Saviour's  righteousness,  and  by  the 
implantation  of  the  Spirit's  grace  ;  the  one  is  for  our  justifica- 
tion, the  other  for  our  sanctification  ;  the  one  rescues  us  from 
hell,  the  other  fits  us  for  heaven ;  the  one  delivers  us  from 
the  wrath  of  God,  the  other  prepares  us  for  communion  with 
God. 

The  Christian's  way.     It  has  many  properties. 

It  is  a  peculiar  ivay.  It  is  not  the  way  of  the  world,  but 
that  of  the  Church.  Christians  are  a  "  peculiar  people,"  as 
it  regards  the  character  they  sustain,  the  resources  on  which 
they  depend,  the  motives  by  which  they  are  influenced,  and 
the  end  they  have  in  prospect 


THE    WAY    OF   THE    UNGODLT.  349 

It  is  a  difficult  way.  How  hard  to  escape  the  pollutions, 
and  free  ourselves  from  the  snares,  of  an  enticing  world ;  to 
hold  communion  with  the  skies,  while  our  evil  hearts  are 
drawing  us  from  God  ;  to  enter  the  world  in  our  lawful  avoca- 
tions, and  yet  to  come  out  of  it  in  our  Christian  principles 
and  pursuits ! 

It  is  an  honorable  way.  It  is  the  high  way  of  the  King  of 
kings  —  true  dignity  is  stamped  on  every  pilgrim  who  is  found 
in  this  way ;  he  is  going  forwax-d  to  the  highest  promotion. 
But 

It  is  a  despised  way.  And  that  by  the  generality  of  man- 
kind who  refuse  to  walk  in  it.  By  many  it  is  represented 
as  the  way  of  folly  and  delusion ;  but  these  speak  evil  of 
things  which  they  know  not. 

The  Christian's  comfort.  "  The  Lord  knoiceth  the 
way  of  the  righteous."  This  includes  much  more  than  mere 
knowledge  ;  though  this  is  a  privilege.  IIow  encouraging  to 
remembei",  that  there  is  One  above  who  knows  all  our  ways, 
and  is  acquainted  with  every  movement  of  our  minds  !  But 
he  approves  of  this  way  ;  and  is  it  not  a  privilege  to  have  the 
smiles  of  his  approbation  ?  "  His  favor  is  life,  and  his  loving- 
kindness  is  better  than  life." 


NOVEMBER    17. 

THE  WAY  OF  THE  UNGODLY. 

"  The  way  of  the  ungodly  shall  perish." — Psalm  i.  6. 

In  this  Psalm  the  righteous  and  the  wicked  are  described 
by  what  they  are  not,  by  what  they  are,  and  by  what  they 
shall  be.  Our  text  furnishes  us  with  a  mournful  account  of 
the  wicked.     Notice 

His  ciiaractek.  "  The  ungoldly."  They  are  unmind- 
ful of  God.  They  are  unmindful  of  his  power,  and  resist 
him  ;  unmindful  of  his  holiness,  and  commit  uncleanness ; 
unmindful  of  his  justice,  and  think  to  escape  punishment ; 
unmindful  of  his  goodness  and  long-suffering,  and  despise  it ; 
unmindful  of  his  word,  his  ordinances,  and  his  works.  They 
are  unthankful  to  God.  Ingratitude  is  a  base  feeling.  We 
30 


350  THE    WAT    OF    THE    UNGODLY. 

deprecate  it  when  shown  by  man  to  man,  but  how  hateful  is 
man's  ingratitude  to  God  !  They  are  unlike  God.  In  a  state 
of  innocence,  man  bore  the  image  of  his  Maker  —  by  sin, 
the  impress  is  defaced ;  it  is  only  by  grace  it  can  be  re- 
stored. 

His  WAT.  It  has  many  properties.  It  is  a  sinful  way. 
Sin  contrived  it,  and  sinners  walk  in  it.  Here  sinful  thoughts 
are  harbored,  sinful  desires  are  cherished,  sinful  objects  are 
pursued,  and  sinful  pleasures  are  enjoyed.  It  is  a  sorrowful 
way.  "  Their  sorrows  shall  be  multiplied  that  hasten  after 
another  God."  It  is  a  hard  way.  "The  way  of  trans- 
gressors is  hard."  It  is  a  foolish  way.  "  This  their  way  is 
their  folly."  While  religion  is  a  reasonable  service,  and  "  the 
way  of  the  wise ;"  there  is  nothing  so  unreasonable  as  the 
course  pursued  by  the  wicked.  It  is  a  broad  way.  "  Broad 
is  the  way  that  leadeth  to  destruction."  It  is  much  fre- 
quented ;  yea,  crowded  with  travellers,  all  eager  to  pursue  it. 
It  is  an  unprofitable  way.  "  Treasures  of  wickedness  profit 
nothing."     What  fruit  is  to  be  gathered  here  ? 

His  end.  "  He  shall  perish."  His  thoughts  shall  perish. 
All  his  vain,  foolish  thoughts,  either  of  obtaining  salvation 
by  the  works  of  the  law,  or  braving  the  judgment  of  the 
Almighty.  His  hopes  shall  perish.  He  has  no  hope  beyond 
the  grave.  His  joys  shall  perish.  The  pleasures  of  sin  are 
only  for  a  season.  His  name  shall  perish.  "  The  memory 
of  the  just  is  blessed,  but  the  name  of  the  wicked  shall  rot." 
His  body  shall  perish.  "  Like  sheep  they  are  laid  in  the 
grave."  His  soul  shall  perish  ;  and  that  in  liell,  with  ever- 
lasting destruction,  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  Let  me 
strive  to  avoid  such  a  dangerous  course,  shun  the  first  step 
that  leads  to  it,  and  walk  in  the  way  of  the  righteous,  that 
my  end  may  be  peace. 

"  Then,  while  'tis  called  to-day, 
Oh  !  hear  the  Gospel's  sound ; 
Come,  sinners,  haste,  oh  !  haste  away, 
While  pardon  may  be  found." 


TUE    BLESSING    OF    PARDON.  351 

NOVEMBER    18. 

THE  BLESSING  OF  PARDON. 

"  Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore,  men  and  brethren,  that  through  this  man  is 
preached  unto  you  the  forgiTuness  of  sins." — Acts  xiii.  38. 

These  words  are  like  a  sparkling  diamond,  wliicli,  however 
you  may  turn  and  examine  it,  is  on  all  sides  beautiful,  send- 
ing forth  new  rays  of  light  and  lovely  coloring.  They  are 
part  of  Paul's  sermon  in  the  synagogue  at  Antioch.  Con- 
sider 

The  inestimable  blessing  announced.  "  The  for- 
giveness of  sins."  Pardon  does  not  destroy  the  fact  of  sin, 
neither  does  it  alter  its  nature,  to  make  it  less  sinful ;  but  it 
frees  the  sinner  from  the  punishment  of  sin.  There  are  sev- 
eral properties  belonging  to  it. 

Jt  is  complete.  It  is  not  a  partial  but  a  full  and  universal 
forgiveness.  It  extends  to  all  sins,  original  and  actual ;  sins 
of  omission  and  commission.  It  is  said  of  the  penitent  in 
the  day  of  conversion,  "  Thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee :  go  in 
peace." 

It  is  free.  This  is  the  character  of  all  the  blessings  of  tlie 
Gospel ;  they  are  conferred  by  grace,  "  without  money,  and 
without  price."  If  a  price  were  set,  who  could  pay  it  ?  If 
you  come  for  this  blessing  with  empty  hands,  a  longing  heait, 
and  a  humble  spirit,  you  shall  not  be  disappointed. 

It  is  needful.  It  is  essentially  requisite  for  the  present 
peace  and  final  happiness  of  the  soul.  Is  it  necessary  to  be 
reconciled  to  God,  to  escape  his  wrath,  to  enjoy  his  favor,  and 
to  obtain  a  title  to  glory  everlasting  ?  Then  it  is  necessary 
to  be  pardoned.  Nothing  can  equal  this  blessing  in  value. 
Without  it  the  world  is  a  blank ;  every  thing  else  is  dull  and 
insipid,  like  fruit  that  has  lost  its  flavor,  or  the  coloring  taken 
out  of  the  picture,  or  the  rising  mist  that  obscures  the  beau- 
ty of  the  landscape.  Lord,  say  unto  my  soul,  I  am  thy  sal- 
vation ! 

"  Relief  alone  is  found 

In  .lesus'  precious  blooil ; 
'T  is  this  that  heals  the  mortal  wounds, 

And  reconciles  to  God." 


352         GENERAL  JPKOCLAMATION    OF   FOEGIVENESS. 
NOVEMBER    19. 

THE    GENERAL    PROCLAMATION   OF  FOR- 
GIVENESS. 

"  Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore,  men  and  'brethren,  that  through  this  man  is 
preached  unto  you  the  forgiveness  of  sins." — Acts  xiii.  38. 

If  I  win  Christ,  said  one,  I  am  rich ;  if  I  am  found  in 
him,  I  am  safe  ;  if  I  know  him,  I  am  wise  to  salvation. 
Through  Christ  believers  are  to  expect  every  thing,  from  the 
first  rays  of  hope  that  the  soul  discovers  in  the  breakings 
forth  of  the  morning  of  the  Christian  life,  to  the  noon-tide 
splendor  of  Christian  maturity  and  perfection  in  glory.  The 
passage  before  us  leads  us  to  the  contemplation  of  the  bless- 
ing of  pardon  in 

The  medium  of  its  communication.  "  Through  this 
man,"  that  is,  the  man  Christ  Jesus  ;  through  the  spotless  na- 
ture, perfect  obedience,  vicaiious  sufferings,  efficacious  death, 
and  prevalent  intercession  of  the  Redeemer. 

He  'procures  it  as  a  Priest.  This  he  did  on  the  cross. 
Pardon  is  the  fruit  of  his  atonement;  it  is  purchased  with  a 
price  that  none  in  the  whole  universe  beside  could  pay. 

He  proclaims  it  as  a  Prophet.  This  he  did  when  on  earth 
in  his  own  person ;  and  now  he  is  in  heaven,  by  the  preach- 
ing of  his  ambassadors. 

He  confers  it  as  a  King.  This  he  does  now  he  is  on  the 
throne.  "  Him  hath  God  exalted  with  his  right  hand  to  be  a 
Prince  and  a  Savioui",  for  to  give  repentance  to  Israel  and 
forgiveness  of  sins." 

The  objects  to  whom  it  is  to  be  proclaimed. 
"  Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore,  men  and  brethren  ;"  none 
are  excluded  but  those  who  shut  themselves  out  by  their  un- 
belief. It  is  made  known  to  you  in  the  Scriptwes.  There 
you  read  of  its  source,  nature,  value,  importance,  and  results. 
It  is  made  known  to  you  in  the  sanctuary.  Our  message 
from  time  to  time  is  forgiveness  through  the  blood  of  Christ ; 
and  we  would  announce  it  fully,  plainly,  faithfully,  earnestly, 
and  affectionately.  The  ark  of  salvation  appears  before  you, 
floating  above  the  waters^of  divine  wrath ;  the  storm-cloud  is 
passing  away,  the  sky  is  bright  and  serene,  and  the  dove  is 
seen  flying  in  the  Gospel  firmament,  with  the  olive-branch  of 
peace.     Come  and  enter  in,  that  you  may  be  saved. 


THE  CnARACTER  OF  THE  REDEEMER.       353 
NOVEMBER  20. 

THE  CHARACTER  OF  THE  REDEEMER. 

"  And  many  more  believed  because  of  his  own  word  ;  and  said  unto  the  woman, 
Now  we  belieTe,  not  because  of  tliy  saying ;  for  we  have  heard  him  ourselves,  and 
know  that  this  is  indeed  the  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  the  world." — John  iv.  41,  42. 

The  narrative  of  the  woman  of  Samaria,  recorded  in  this 
chapter,  is  highly  interesting.  Jesus  must  needs  go  through 
Samaria,  for  he  had  a  covenant  engagement  to  fulfil  there. 
The  Avoman  herself,  being  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the 
truth,  felt  desii'ous  that  others  might  participate  with  her. 
This  is  a  good  evidence  of  grace.  See  the  result  in  the 
text. 

The  CHARACTER  OF  THE  REDEEMER.  "  The  Christ,  the 
Saviour  of  the  world."  This  appellation  is  full  of  encourage- 
ment to  the  penitent  sinner.     Consider 

What  he  saves  from.  From  sin  in  its  guilt,  pollution,  curse, 
power,  and  love ;  from  the  wrath  of  God,  and  the  flames  of 
hell.     Here  there  is  a  remedy  for  every  disease. 

What  he  saves  to.  To  holiness,  Avithout  which  no  man 
shall  see  the  Lord.  Thus  the  Christian  is  made  holy ;  his 
thoughts,  desires,  motives,  and  pursuits  are  associated  with 
holiness.  To  the  favor  of  God  here,  and  the  glories  of 
heaven  hereafter. 

How  he  saves.  By  the  eflBcacy  of  his  death,  and  the  power 
of  his  Spirit.  By  the  one,  the  blessing  is  procured ;  by  the 
other,  it  is  applied.  He  saves  effectually,  willingly,  freely, 
and  to  the  uttermost. 

Whom  he  saves.  He  is  styled,  "  the  Saviour  of  the  world." 
This  shows  the  extent  of  his  blessings.  Come,  sinner,  and 
rest  on  him.  A  simple-hearted,  but  spiritually-instructed 
minister  was  once  earnestly  expostulating  with  sinners,  and 
inviting  them  to  the  Saviour,  and  he  said,  "  liun  with  patience 
the  race  set  before  you  ;"  but  you  say,  I  cannot  run  —  then 
walk.  "  Walk  humbly  with  thy  God ;  but  you  say,  I  cannot 
walk  —  then  stand.  "  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  "  Stand  ye  in  the 
ways,  and  see,  and  ask  for  the  old  paths  ;"  but  you  say,  I  can- 
not stand  —  then  crawl.  "  Fear  not,  thou  worm,  Jacob,  and 
ye  men  of  Israel ;  I  will  help  thee,  saith  the  Lord ;  but  you 
say,  I  cannot  craAvl  to  him  —  then  look.  "  Look  unto  me, 
and  be  ye  saved,  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  ;  for  I  am  God, 
and  there  is  none  else." 
30* 


354       TUE  CONDUCT  OF  THE  SAMARITANS. 
NOVEMBER  21. 

THE  CONDUCT  OF  THE  SAMARITANS. 

"  And  many  more  believed  because  of  his  own  ■word  ;  and  said  unto  the  woman,  Now 
■we  believe,  not  because  of  thy  saying  ;  for  we  have  heard  him  ourselves,  and  know 
that  this  is  indeed  the  Clirist,  the  Saviour  of  the  world." — John  iv.  41,  42. 

If  the  blessings  of  salvation  are  in  us  as  a  well  of  water, 
that  water  will  spring  up  in  our  active  exertions  with  regard 
to  those  around  us.  We  have  an  exemplification  of  this  in 
the  character  and  conduct  of  the  woman  of  Samaria  ;  and  the 
passage  before  us  discovers  to  us  the  beneficial  effects  which 
her  efforts  produced.     Let  us  observe 

The  conduct  of  the  Samaritans.  Four  thmgs  are 
stated  respecting  them. 

The  candor  they  shoiced.  "  We  have  heard  him  ourselves." 
At  the  entreaty  of  the  woman,  they  came  and  listened  to  the 
Saviour's  words  ;  and  they  were  caught  in  the  Gospel  net, 
their  minds  were  impressed  and  their  hearts  softened  by  the 
power  of  sovereign  grace.  How  many  are  so  strongly  preju- 
diced against  religion,  that  they  will  not  sit  under  the  sound 
of  the  Gospel !  To  such  we  would  say,  Come  and  judge  for 
yourselves  :  "  Oh  !  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is  good." 

The  acknoivledgment  they  made.  "  And  know  that  this  is 
indeed  the  Christ."  Those  who  have  been  brought  to  a  sav- 
ing knowledge  of  Christ,  will  not  be  ashamed  to  make  an 
open  confession  of  him.  If  we  have  rightly  heard  him  for 
ourselves,  we  shall  quickly  speak  of  him  to  others. 

The  faith  they  exercised.  "  Now  we  believe."  Faith  com- 
eth  by  hearing.  Perhaps  they  had  often  heard  of  him  before 
this  pei'iod,  and  considered  him  as  a  false  prophet  and  a  de- 
ceiver ;  but  now  they  had  heard  and  seen  him,  they  had  no 
doubt  about  his  divine  mission. 

The  feeling  they  manifested.  "  Now  we  believe,  not  be- 
cause of  thy  saying,"  they  said  to  the  woman ;  "  for  we  have 
heard  him  ourselves."  It  was  "  because  of  his  own  word  " 
that  they  believed.  We  must  always  distinguish  between 
human  instrumentality  and  Divine  agency,  and  give  unto  the 
Lord  the  glory  that  is  due  unto  his  name.  We  must  not  go  by 
hearsay  in  matters  of  religion: — "  Come  and  see."  Behold 
here  the  condescension  of  Jesus.  The  Samaritans  were  a 
despised  and  depraved  people,  and  this  woman  had  been  a 
wicked  character  ;   but  he  is  no  respecter  of  persons. 


THE    INTERESTING    VISION.  355 

NOVEMBER    22. 

THE  INTERESTING  VISION. 

"  Thy  loving-kindness  is  before  mine  eyes." — Psalm  xxvi.  3. 

When  calumny  hurls  her  envenomed  dart,  and  care  spreads 
her  heavy  wings  over  the  soul,  how  delightful  is  it  to  look  out 
of  the  bright  opening  which  religion  presents,  and  see  the 
loving-kindness  of  the  Lord  !  Tliis  David  did.  See  here 
The  interesting  vision  referred  to.  Consider 
What  it  is.  What  is  the  object  of  this  vision  ?  "  Thy 
loving-kindness."  God's  loving-kindness  is  displayed  in  na- 
ture, providence,  and  grace.  But  as  it  refers  to  the  Chris- 
tian, it  intimates  the  special,  fi-ee,  and  unmerited  favor  of  God. 
It  is  designated  "  merciful  kindness,"  Psalm  cxix.  76.  "  Mar- 
vellous kindness,"  Psalm  xxxi.  21.  "  Great  kindness," 
Neh.  ix.  17.  "  Everlasting  kindness,"  Isa.  liv.  8.  Love  is 
the  principle,  kindness  is  the  product ;  the  one  is  the  cause, 
the  other  the  effect. 

Where  it  is  to  be  seen.  We  behold  God's  name  inscribed 
on  all  his  works  ;  but  he  appears  at  a  distance  ;  the  glass  of 
the  Gospel  has  a  magnifying  power,  and  bi'ings  him  near. 
We  see  his  loving-kindness  in  the  work  of  Christ.  This 
world  was  the  grand  scene  of  it,  when  God  was  manifest  in 
the  flesh.  See  it  in  the  stable  of  Bethlehem  ;  hear  its  praises 
in  the  angels'  songs.  It  was  published  in  the  towns  and 
villages  of  Palestine ;  it  was  made  known  in  the  cities,  fields, 
mountains,  and  deserts  of  Judea.  The  cross  proclaims  it. 
Look  within  the  veil  and  behold  Jesus,  no  longer  presenting 
sacrifice  at  the  altar,  but  pouring  incense  before  the  throne. 
See,  in  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  the  provisions  of  grace, 
and  the  offers  of  mercy,  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord. 

How  it  is  to  be  beheld.  What  is  it  to  have  it  before  our 
eyes  ?  It  includes  a  proper  apprehension  of  it.  "  Whoso  is 
wise  and  will  observe  these  things,  even  they  shall  understand 
the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord."  A  high  value  for  it.  We 
cast  aside  that  which  we  do  not  value,  but  have  before  us  that 
which  we  esteem  ;  we  like  it  in  view.  A  constant  regard  to 
it.  So  David  says,  "  I  have  set  the  Lord  always  before  me." 
With  regard  to  any  thing  on  which  we  have  our  minds  set, 
we  say,  We  do  not  lose  sight  of  it.  So  it  should  be  with  God's 
loving-kindness. 


356  THE   BENEFICIAL    CONTEMPLATION. 

NOVEMBER    23. 

THE    BENEFICIAL    CONTEMPLATION. 

"  Thy  loving-kindness  is  before  mine  eyes." — Psalm  xxvi.  3. 

In  the  last  exercise  the  interesting  vision  of  God's  loving 
kindness  passed  under  our  review :  let  us  now  contemplate 
The  benefits  resulting    from  a    continual    vieav 

OF    IT. 

It  will  lead  to  repentance.  And  is  not  this  an  advantage  ? 
There  is  an  indescribable  feeling  of  comfort,  even  in  that 
brokenness  of  heart,  and  melting  of  soul,  which  the  true  pen- 
itent feels.  The  tear-drop  of  spiritual  sorrow  is  more  brilliant 
than  the  glittering  diamond  sparkling  in  the  sun-beam  ;  but  it 
shall  be  exhaled  by  the  light  of  the  Lord,  and  exchanged  for 
the  gem  of  pai'don.  A  sight  only  of  the  justice,  power,  ho- 
liness, and  truth  of  God,  is  not  calculated  to  bring  the  tears 
of  repentance  ;  but  when  his  loving-kindness  is  beheld  dart- 
ing forth  its  lovely  rays,  like  a  rainbow  in  the  cloud,  joy  is 
the  portion  of  the  soul. 

It  will  promote  spirituality  of  mind.  If  our  thoughts  and 
desires  are  fixed  much  on  this  world,  it  will  render  us  earthly 
and  sensual ;  but  the  more  our  attention  is  led  to  God  and 
heaven,  the  more  shall  we  increase  in  spirituality  of  mind. 

It  will  yield  solace  in  affliction.  In  the  season  of  gloom, 
Ave  look  too  much  at  our  trials,  and  too  little  at  God's  loving- 
kindness.  Is  the  cloud  of  affliction  so  dark,  that  the  light  of 
God's  countenance  cannot  penetrate  it  ?  It  has  sweetened 
many  a  bitter  cup,  and  lightened  many  a  heavy  load. 

It  loill  enable  us  to  triumph  in  death.  God's  loving-kind- 
ness will  be  a  light  to  glisten  on  the  dark  waters  of  Jordan, 
enabling  us  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  opposite  shore,  before 
we  have  launched  from  this.  What  folly  and  madness  do  the 
ungodly  discover,  in  preferring  the  scenes  of  vanity  before 
their  eyes,  to  the  loving-kindness  of  God  !  Let  me  act  a  dif- 
ferent part,  and  remember,  for  my  encouragement,  that  if  I 
have  God's  loving-kindness  before  my  eyes  on  earth,  I  shall 
forever  have  it  in  my  heart,  and  on  my  tongue  in  heaven. 


•rUE    TliUE    MESSIAH.  357 

NOVEMBER    24. 

THE  TRUE  MESSIAH. 

"  We  have  found  the  Jlessias,  which  is,  Ijcing  iuterpreted,  the  Christ." — John  i.  41. 

Those  who  know  Christ  will  desire  that  others  may  be- 
come acquainted  with  him.  When  the  woman  of  Samaria 
found  the  Saviour  at  Jacob's  well,  she  went  her  way  and  pub- 
lished his  fame  in  the  city.  Paul's  desire  for  his  brethren, 
the  Jews,  was  not  that  a  worldly  kingdom  might  be  restored 
to  them,  but  that  they  might  be  saved.  He  preached  Christ 
at  the  tribunal  of  the  judge  who  was  trying  him.  When  An- 
drew had  found  Christ,  he  said  to  his  own  brother  Simon, 
"  We  have  found  the  Messias,  which  is,  being  interpreted,  the 
Christ."     Several  things  may  be  here  observed. 

The  title  ascribed  to  the  Saviour.  The  word  Mes- 
sias is  Hebrew,  and  the  word  Christ  is  Greek ;  but  the  mean- 
ing of  each  is,  the  Anointed  Saviour.  As  the  prophets,  priests, 
and  kings,  under  the  old  dispensation,  were  anointed  to  their 
several  offices,  so  our  Redeemer  Avas  set  apart  to  his  mediato- 
rial office.  Believers  have  a  spiritual  anointing  ;  though  it  is 
the  same  in  kind,  it  is  very  dificrent  in  degree  to  that  of  the 
Saviour.  The  gifts  and  graces  of  the  Spirit  in  believers  are 
like  water  in  the  cistern,  but  in  Christ  like  water  in  the 
ocean ;  in  them  they  are  as  the  light  in  the  atmosphere,  but 
in  him  as  the  light  of  the  sun.  Christ,  as  the  Messias,  was 
sent  by  the  Father  to  execute  his  mediatorial  office. 

The  act  of  the  Christian.  He  finds  the  Saviour. 
Tliis  implies  the  exercise  of  seeking  him,  which  is  the  duty  and 
delight  of  all  that  are  taught  of  God.  There  are  several  marks 
belonging  to  those  who  have  found  Christ.  They  have  seen 
their  lost  estate.  They  feel  their  need  of  Christ  as  a  Proph- 
et to  illuminate  their  understandings,  a  Priest  to  expiate  their 
guilt,  and  a  King  to  subdue  their  corruptions,  and  reign  and 
rule  over  them.  They  have  renounced  self-righteousness ; 
a  legal  spirit  is  quite  incompatible  with  an  enlightened  mind  ; 
they  are  resting  on  the  atonement  of  Christ ;  if  we  are  built 
on  him,  the  rubl)ish  of  self-righteousness  must  be  cleared 
away,  the  foundation  dug  deep  in  the  work  of  conviction,  the 
first  stone  laid  in  the  heart,  and  the  superstructure  raised 
under  the  direction  of  the  Spirit,  the  temple  Builder. 


358  THE    PRIVILEGE    OF   FINDING    CHRIST. 

NOVEMBER    25. 

THE  PRIVILEGE  OF  FINDING  CHRIST. 

"  We  have  found  the  Messias,  -which  is,  being  interpreted,  the  Christ."— John  i.  41, 

The  Gospel  resembles  a  beautiful  flower,  of  which  the 
bud  is  seen  in  Eden,  the  expanding  leaves  on  Mount  Sinai, 
the  blossom  on  Calvary,  and  its  glowing  beauties  in  Imman- 
uel's  land.  Happy  is  the  man  who  has  it  in  the  soil  of  his 
heart ;  he  can  experimentally  utter  those  words  :  he  knows 

The  PRIVILEGE  OF  FINDING  Christ.  Those  who  find 
him  obtain  Spiritual  life.  He  says,  "Whoso  findeth  me 
findeth  life."  This  life  consists  in  the  renovation  of  the  whole 
man  after  the  image  of  God  in  knowledge,  righteousness,  and 
holiness.  Saving  knowledge.  We  designate  it  "  saving,"  to 
distinguish  it  from  a  mere  speculative  acquaintance  with  divine 
things,  which  may  exist  in  the  minds  of  those  who  have  not 
found  Christ.  A  free  pardon.  The  Saviour  brings  love  in 
his  heart,  power  in  his  arms,  and  pardon  in  his  hand.  When 
this  pardon  is  conferred,  there  is  no  condemnation  to  the  be- 
liever. Holiness.  This  is  the  brightest  ornament  that  can 
adorn  us.  When  we  find  Christ,  we  arrive  at  the  fountain 
that  is  opened  for  sin  and  uncleanness  ;  and  thus,  while  by 
the  righteousness  of  Christ  the  guilt  of  sin  is  expiated,  by  his 
Spirit  its  pollution  is  cleansed.  A  refuge.  Under  this  char- 
acter he  is  revealed.  He  came  to  wipe  away  the  tear  of  pity 
from  the  eyes  of  the  sorrowful,  to  plant  the  balm  of  consola- 
tion in  the  heart  of  the  miserable,  and  to  make  our  sky  bright 
Avith  the  prospect  of  a  glorious  immortality.  At  his  coming 
was  erected  that  magnificent  edifice  of  mercy  into  which  so 
many  thousands  have  entered  and  found  peace.  Those  who 
find  Christ,  find  in  him  the  best  of  all  relations,  a  Surety,  a 
Sheplierd,  a  Leader,  a  Physician,  a  Friend,  an  Advocate,  a 
Portion.  Have  we  found  Christ?  If  so,  we  shall  love  him, 
live  on  him,  and  live  to  him. 

"  Yes,  thou  are  precious  to  my  soul, 
My  transport  and  my  trust ; 
Jewels  to  thee  are  gaudy  toys, 
And  £rold  is  sordid  dust." 


THE  ARK  A  TYPE  OF  CHRIST.  359 

NOVEMBER  2G. 

THE   ARK  A  TYPE   OF  CHRIST. 

"  And  there  I  will  meet  with  thee,  and  I  will  commune  with  thee  from  above  the 
mercy-seat,  from  between  the  two  cherubims  which  are  upon  the  ark  of  the  testimonj-, 
of  all  tilings  which  I  «-ill  give  thee  in  commandment  unto  the  children  of  Israel."  — 
Exod.  XXV.  22. 

INIosES  received  directions  from  God  for  the  making  of  the 
tabernacle,  and  the  various  things  belonging  to  it  There  was 
the  outer  court,  the  holy  place,  and  the  holy  of  holies ;  and 
this  was  figurative  of  the  Church  in  its  natui'al  state,  in  grace, 
and  in  glory.  One  of  the  principal  things  in  the  tabernacle 
was  the  ark,  and  this  was  a  type  of  Christ.  Let  us  here  con- 
template 

The  typical  representation.     It  may  be  viewed 

In  its  materials.  It  was  made  of  shittim  wood,  which  was 
called  eternal  wood,  because  of  its  durable  quality  —  it  was 
almost  incorruptible,  no  worm  could  penetrate  it.  This  repre- 
sents the  durableness  of  the  humanity  of  Christ.  The  ark 
was  to  be  covered  with  gold,  and  this  sets  forth  the  Divinity 
of  Christ.  As  the  wood  and  the  gold  were  united  in  one  ark, 
so  the  humanity  and  Divinity  of  the  Saviour  met  in  one  glori- 
ous Person.  "  His  humanity,"  observes  M'Ewen,  "  is  like 
the  cedar,  the  fruit  of  the  earth,  but  not  subject  to  corruption  ; 
and  his  Divinity,  like  the  gold  in  the  ark,  embosoms  his  hu- 
man nature,  ennobles,  but  is  not  blended  with  it." 

la  its  design.  It  was  made  for  the  purpose  of  depositing 
the  two  tables  of  the  law.  The  law  that  was  broken  by  the 
hand  of  Moses  was  henceforth  to  be  preserved  in  the  ark. 
Christ  came  into  the  Avorld  to  keep  the  law  in  his  active  and 
passive  obedience.  Here  we  find  the  law  written  not  on  pa- 
per, parchment,  or  stone,  but  in  the  life  of  Christ,  it  was  liv- 
ing, breathing,  and  walking. 

In  its  having  the  two  cherubims.  "  And  thou  shalt  make 
two  cherubims  of  gold,  of  beaten  work  shalt  thou  make  them, 
in  the  two  ends  of  the  mercy-seat,"  ver.  18.  This  represented 
the  two  churches,  the  one  under  the  Old,  and  the  other  under 
the  New  Testament.  The  law  was  a  shadow  of  good  things 
to  come  ;  Christ  is  the  sum  and  substance  of  all.  This  may 
allude  also  to  the  ministrations  of  angels,  who  "  desire  to  look 
into  "  these  things  ;  and  it  may  regard  the  two  ministries,  pro- 
phets under  the  Old,  and  apostles  under  the  New  Testament 
dispensation :  they  both  meet  in  Christ.   It  was  further  typical 


360  COMMUNION   AT    THE    MERCY-SEAT. 

In  its  being  carried  from  place  to  place  by  the  priests.  This 
must  have  been  a  very  solemn  scene.  Christ  in  the  dignity 
of  his  person,  the  grandeur  of  his  work,  the  efficacy  of  his 
atonement,  the  plenitude  of  his  grace,  and  the  final  triumphs 
of  his  cross,  is  now  carried  by  the  ministers  of  the  Gospel ; 
we  proclaim  him  as  the  end  of  the  law,  the  substance  of  the 
Gospel,  the  rock  of  our  foundation,  the  object  of  our  faith,  the 
anchor  of  our  hope,  the  source  of  our  joy,  and  the  Saviour  of 
the  soul.  The  geography  of  the  Jewish  dispensation  was  only 
Canaan,  among  one  nation  ;  but  that  of  the  Christian  dispen- 
sation includes  the  whole  world. 


NOVEMBER    27. 

COMMUNION  AT  THE  MERCY-SEAT. 

"  And  there  I  will  meet  Tvith  thee,  and  I  will  commune  with  thee  from  abore  the 
mercy-seat,  from  between  the  two  cherubims  which  are  iipon  the  ark  of  the  testimony, 
of  all  things  which  I  will  gire  thee  in  commandment  unto  the  ctuldren  of  Israel."  — 
Exod.  XXV.  22. 

It  is  highly  interesting  to  trace  the  analogy  between  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments.  The  prophets  and  priests  under 
the  law  had,  as  it  were,  the  light  of  the  moon  ;  thus  they  were 
distinguished  from  the  surrounding  heathen  nations,  with  whom 
it  was  the  darkness  of  night ;  age  after  age  passed  on,  and 
the  light  increased,  till  at  length  John,  the  forerunner  of  Christ, 
appeared  like  the  morning  star,  melting  into  the  light  of  day, 
when  the  Sun  of  righteousness  was  seen  irradiating  the  hori- 
zon of  Judea ;  and  thus  was  fulfilled  the  prophetic  declaration, 
"  The  people  that  sat  in  darkness  have  seen  a  great  light." 
Let  us  notice  some  other  points  in  which  the  ark  was  typical 
of  Christ. 

There  was  a  blessing  wherever  it  went.  God  blessed  the 
house  of  Obed  Edom,  because  he  lodged  the  ark.  Did  you 
ever  hear  of  any  who  were  real  losers  by  religion  ?  "  Godli- 
ness is  profitable  unto  all  things ; "  wisdom  is  better  than 
rubies  ;  in  her  right  hand  is  length  of  days,  and  in  her  left 
hand  are  riches  and  honor.     Do  you  speak  of  dignity  ? 

"  A  Christian  is  the  highest  style  of  man." 

Do  you  speak  of  wealth  ?     He  has  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ.     Do  you  speak  of  comforts  ?   He  has  everlasting  con- 


COMMUNION    AT   THE   MERCY-SEAT.  361 

solation.  Do  you  speak  of  joy  ?  He  is  filled  with  joy  and 
peace  in  believing.  "  Look  at  him  in  danger ;  "  God  is  my 
refuge,"  he  exclaims.  Look  at  him  in  affliction ;  with  a  smile 
of  composure  he  says,  "  Thy  will  be  done."  Look  at  him 
under  temporal  losses  ;  he  is  resigned.  Look  at  him  in  death  ; 
"  I  will  fear  no  evil,  for  thou  art  with  me."  And  when  the 
world  shall  pass  away,  he  shall  be  able  to  stand  on  its  ruins, 
and  say,  "  I  have  lost  nothing ;  the  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith 
my  soul." 

The  wonderful  victories  it  achieved.  It  overturned  the 
walls  of  Jericho,  being  carried  round  them  for  seven  days.  It 
overthrew  Dagon,  the  Philistines'  god,  so  that  that  idol  was 
broken  in  pieces.  It  opened  a  passage  for  Israel  to  pass 
through  the  river  Jordan.  If  ever  the  strongholds  of  Satan 
are  brought  down,  it  must  be  by  Christ ;  if  ever  we  pass 
safely  through  the  swellings  of  Jordan  to  the  heavenly  Cana- 
an, it  must  be  by  Christ.  If  Christ  is  in  the  heart,  every  idol 
must  come  down.  A  missionaiy  in  a  foreign  land  was  travel- 
ing with  a  young  convert,  and  as  they  went  to  see  the  various 
idol  temples  in  which  heathen  gods  were  worshipped,  the 
young  man  wished  to  pull  them  down  and  destroy  them ; 
*'  No,"  said  the  missionary,  "  let  us  preach  Christ,  and  they 
will  pull  them  down  themselves."  If  Chri.st  is  preached  and 
received,  our  language  will  be  — 

"  The  dearest  idol  I  have  known, 
Whate'er  that  idol  be, 
Help  me  to  tear  it  from  thy  throne, 
AJid  worship  only  thee." 

We  have  in  the  text 

A  GRACIOUS  PROMISE.  "  And  there  I  will  meet  with  thee, 
and  I  will  commune  with  thee  from  above  the  mercy-seat." 
In  Christ,  God  meets  the  sinner  to  be  reconciled  to  him,  to 
distribute  his  favors,  to  hold  fellowship  with  him,  and  to  show 
him  his  glory.  Remember,  if  God  is  found,  it  must  be  in 
Christ  We  cannot  meet  or  commune  with  him  through  any 
other  medium. 

"  There  is  a  place  where  Jesus  sheds 
The  oil  of  gladness  on  our  heads  — 
A  place  of  all  on  earth  most  sweet ; 
It  is  the  blood-bought  mercy-seat." 

31 


362  THE    MOMENTOUS    INQUIRY. 

NOVEMBER    28. 

THE   MOMENTOUS  INQUIRY. 

"  Man  giveth  up  the  ghost,  and  where  is  he  ?"  —  Job  xiv.  10. 

In  this  verse  three  things  are  referred  to  with  regard  to 
man's  death.  What  occurs  before  death  ?  "  He  wasteth 
away."  What  takes  place  at  death  ?  "  He  giveth  up  the 
ghost ; "  and  what  is  the  inquiry  after  death  ?  "  Wliere  is  he  ?  " 
Here  is 

A  SOLEMN  STATEMENT.  "  Man  giveth  up  the  ghost ;  "  the 
body  returns  to  the  earth,  and  the  spirit  is  given  up  to  God. 
Death  is  solemn  in  its  nature.  We  cannot  contemplate  it 
aright,  without  feeling  our  minds  awed  and  impressed.  If  it 
is  terrible  to  nature,  it  is  serious  to  grace.  What  a  solemn 
spectacle  is  death,  as  viewed  in  our  beloved  friends  and  con- 
nections !  It  is  universal  in  its  ravages.  Death  is  called 
"  the  king  of  terrors,"  and  he  has  a  vast  dominion.  Xerxes, 
after  destroying  all  the  temples  of  Greece,  spared  that  of  Di- 
ana, on  account  of  the  elegance  of  its  structure  ;  but  nothing 
can  avert  the  relentless  hand  of  death.  It  is  not,  observes 
one,  to  be  restrained  by  infant  cries,  or  by  beauty's  tears ; 
by  manly  eloquence,  or  by  the  sage  importunity  of  hoary  age. 
The  scythe  of  death  mows  down  the  full-bloom  flower  and 
the  medicinal  herb,  as  well  as  the  poisonous  weed.  It  is  cer- 
tain in  its  approach.  The  period  of  it  is  uncertain,  but  the 
event  is  sure.  Its  certainty  is  confirmed  by  the  testimony  of 
Scripture,  past  history,  and  daily  observation.  It  is  eternal 
in  its  results.  It  is  not  so  much  the  article  of  death  itself,  as 
that  which  comes  after  it,  that  excites  the  fears  and  alarms  of 
mankind.  As  the  tree  falls,  so  it  must  lie  ;  as  death  leaves 
us,  judgment  will  find  us.     But  here  is 

A  MOMENTOUS  INQUIRY.  "  Where  is  he  ?  "  The  body  is 
conveyed  to  the  silent  gi'ave,  but  the  soul !  the  thinking  and 
imperishable  part  of  our  nature,  where  is  it  ?  This  depends 
on  the  character  and  state  of  the  individual.  Here  is  the 
grand  alternative. 

If  a  saint,  he  is  in  the  realms  of  glory.  No  more  pursuing 
the  lawful  avocations  of  life  —  no  more  enlivening  by  his  piety 
and  devotedness  the  domestic  circle  —  no  more  the  subject  of 
trials  and  sorrows,  doubts  and  fears  —  he  has  gone  home,  and 
is  no  more  a  stranger  and  pilgrim  on  the  earth. 

If  a  sinner,  he  is  in  the  regions  of  the  lost.     It  is  in  vain  to 


THE    DOOTUINK    OF    THE    KESUEKECTION.  363 

look  for  him  in  his  old  haunts  of  iniquity,  vice,  and  dissipa- 
tion. Wtiere  is  he  ?  Not  in  the  company  of  the  gay  and 
licentious,  not  in  the  giddy  throng,  among  the  sons  of  unhal- 
lowed mirth,  and  tiie  lovers  of  sinful  pleasure.  Where  is  he  ? 
Not  in  the  theatre,  the  ball-room,  or  at  the  card  table,  but  with 
the  devil  and  his  angels,  where  there  is  weeping,  and  wailing, 
and  gnashing  of  teeth.  I  am  hastening  to  the  margin  of  time, 
and  standing,  as  it  were,  on  the  brink  of  eternity ;  what  are 
my  views,  thoughts,  and  feelings  ?  Have  I  made  prepara- 
tion for  the  solemn  events  that  await  me  ?  Let  me  flee  to 
Him  who  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life,  and  seek  to  die  daily- 


NOVEMBER   29.  3  P  A 

THE  DOCTRINE  OF  THE  RESURRECTION. 

"  Marvel  not  at  this  ;  for  the  hour  is  coming  in  the  which  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shaU 
hear  his  voice,  and  shall  come  forth."  —  John  v.  28,29. 

Revelation  casts  a  gleam  of  brightness  over  the  shadows 
of  death,  and  irradiates  the  darkness  of  the  sepulchre.  Let  us 
contemplate 

The  doctrine  of  the  resurrection.  It  is  evident 
from 

The  poicer  of  God.  Many,  because  they  are  not  able  to 
explain  it  according  to  the  principles  of  reason,  have  pro- 
nounced it  false.  But  is  it  fair  to  deny  a  fact  because  we  can- 
not understand  it  ?  Shall  we  deny  the  being  of  a  God, 
because  we  cannot  comprehend  his  nature  and  essence  ?  or  re- 
fuse to  beUeve  the  twofold  nature  of  man,  because  we  cannot 
explain  the  tie  by  which  his  mortal  and  immortal  being  are 
united,?  Can  you  understand  the  precise  process  of  the  little 
seed  you  hold  in  your  hand;  how,  after  it  is  put  into  the 
ground,  it  springs  forth,  first  the  blade,  then  the  ear,  then  the 
full  corn  in  the  ear  ?  and  yet  that  transition  is  true.  "  Why 
should  it  be  thought  a  thing  incredible  with  you,  that  God 
should  raise  the  dead  ?  "  Think  of  that  omnipotent  power, 
which  in  the  beginning  gathered  together  in  one  united,  har- 
monious, and  stupendous  system,  the  myriads  of  atoms  which 
compose  the  material  universe.  Think  of  the  divine  fiat  which 
brought  light  out  of  darkness,  and  beauty  and  order  out  of 
the  chaotic  mass  of  confusion. 


364       THE  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  RIGHTEOUS. 

The  testimony  of  Scripture.  How  plainly  is  this  glorious 
doctrine  revealed,  both  in  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  !  See 
Dan.  xii.  2  ;  Matt.  xxii.  31 ;  1  Cor.  xv.  Paul,  when  among 
the  learned  philosophers  at  Athens,  preached  Jesus  and  the 
resurrection.  "  If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hope  in  Christ, 
we  are  of  all  men  most  miserable  :  "  it  is  no  enjoyment  to  feel 
the  chisel  of  the  celestial  sculptor,  if  I  know  when  I  am  com- 
pleted, the  statue  is  to  be  shivered  into  a  thousand  fragments. 

The  resurrection  of  Christ.  This  is  the  argument  Paul 
uses  in  that  chapter  in  which  he  describes,  in  such  glowing 
and  lively  characters,  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  "  Now  is 
Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become  the  first-fruits  of 
them  that  slept."  The  resurrection  of  the  Saviour  involves 
in  it  the  principles  of  our  immortality.  It  was  said  of  him, 
and  must  be  said  of  each  of  us,  "  He  is  not  here  ;  he  is  risen : " 
"  for  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  voice." 


NOVEMBER    30.  3  6  )-f    p 

THE  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  RIGHTEOUS. 

"  They  that  have  done  good,  unto  the  resurrection  of  life."  —  John  t.  29. 

Our  attention  is  here  invited  to  the  consideration  of  a 
pleasing  subject. 

The  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  RIGHTEOUS.  Three  things 
may  be  observed. 

The  character  they  hear.  "  They  that  have  done  good." 
This  alludes  not  to  mere  moral  virtues,  which  indeed  are  ex- 
cellent in  themselves,  but  to  spiritual  attainments ;  believers 
have  the  root  of  the  matter  in  them,  and  manifest  this  to  be 
the  case  in  the  fruits  of  holiness  which  they  bear.  The  grace 
they  have  received  is  the  foundation  on  which  the  super- 
structure of  their  good  works  is  built.  They  have  done  good 
by  walking  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  they  are  called, 
by  exerting  themselves  in  the  Redeemer's  cause,  and  culti- 
vating holy  tempers  and  dispositions. 

The  manner  of  their  rising.  They  shall  rise  in  glory  and 
splendor,  like  Christ's  glorious  body ;  in  power,  made  capa- 
ble of  bearing  the  weight  of  eternal  glory ;  spiritual,  not 
that  the  body  is  turned  into  a  spirit,  but  possessed  of  spiritual 
attributes  and  qualities,  "  a  spiritual  body,"     "  No  scene  in 


THE  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  WICKED.       365 

nature  is  more  lovely  than  a  summer  landscape  at  sunrise, 
when  every  field,  grove,  and  hedge,  is  spangled  with  morning 
dew.  The  drops  seem  to  sparkle  with  conscious  delight  at 
the  appearance  of  the  sun,  climbing,  as  he  ascends,  to  the  top 
of  every  leaf,  as  if  impatient  to  meet  him  in  the  air ;  and 
%vhen  the  Sun  of  righteousness  shall  arise  on  the  morning  of 
the  resurrection,  the  heii's  of  glory  will  be  as  numerous  and 
beautiful  as  the  dew  from  the  womb  of  the  morning." 

The  happiness  they  shall  attain.  "■  The  resurrection  of  life." 
A  life  of  freedom  from  all  evil ;  there  not  a  tear  of  bereave- 
ment is  shed,  for  the  parting  sound  shall  be  heard  no  more  ; 
there  not  a  pang  of  sorrow  shall  be  felt,  for  grief  shall  be 
unknown ;  there  no  feeling  of  repentance  shall  be  experi- 
enced, for  sin  cannot  enter  ;  not  the  least  taint  of  corruption 
shall  be  found  there  ;  "  they  are  without  fault  before  the 
throne  of  God."  A  life  of  eternal  pleasures,  suited  to  the 
enlarged  capacity  of  the  glorified  spirit,  Baxter  says  of 
heaven,  "  Every  day  is  noontide,  every  month  is  summer, 
every  year  a  jubilee,  every  age  manhood,  every  life  eternity." 
O  blessed  eternity !  crown  of  my  crown,  glory  of  my  glory, 
perfection  of  my  perfection !  Let  me  seek  to  be  risen  with 
Christ  in  a  state  oi'  grace,  that  I  may  rise  to  him  in  a  state 
of  glory ! 


DECEMBER    1. 

THE  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  WICKED. 

"  And  they  that  have  done  evil,  unto  the  resurrection  of  damnation."  —  John  v.  29. 

As  there  is  a  contrast  between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked 
in  their  present  condition,  so  there  is  in  their  future  state. 
The  grave  to  the  believer  is  a  bed  of  roses,  on  which  he 
sleeps  till  he  is  awakened  at  the  last  day  ;  but  to  the  unbe- 
liever it  is  a  dark  prison,  in  which  he  is  confined  till  sum- 
moned to  appear  before  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ.  Let  us 
view 

The  rk.suruection  of  the  -wicked.  Observe 
2'heir  sinful  character.  "  They  that  have  done  evil."  This 
applies  to  all  the  unregenerate  ;  their  heart  is  evil,  their 
thoughts  and  imaginations,  desires,  words,  and  pursuits,  are 
evil.  Does  not  that  man  do  evil  who  despises  the  Son  of 
God,  neglects  the  great  salvation,  prefers  the  welfare  of  the 
body  to  the  concerns  of  the  soul? 
31* 


366  THE   DESPISED    SAVIOUR. 

Their  awful  punishment.  "  The  resurrection  of  damna- 
tion." This  punishment  is  dreadful,  and  consists  in  the  sep- 
aration of  body  and  soul  from  God,  the  tremendous  weight 
of  his  wrath  and  curse,  and  the  gnawing  worm  of  a  guilty 
conscience.  It  is  deserved.  "  The  wages  of  sin  is  death  :  " 
this  is  the  second  death,  where  hell  is  the  sepulchre,  and  there 
is  no  resurrection.  It  is  unavoidable.  God's  righteous  au- 
thority is  despised,  and  his  justice  is  provoked ;  and  if  we 
are  not  interested  in  the  atonement  of  Christ,  there  remaineth 
no  more  sacrifice  for  sin,  but  a  certain  looking-for  of  judg- 
ment and  fiery  indignation.  It  is  eternal.  When  as  many 
millions  of  ages  have  passed  away  as  there  are  sands  on  the 
seashore,  stars  in  the  heavens,  drops  in  the  ocean,  or  atoms 
in  the  globe,  the  misery  of  the  lost  shall  not  be  one  moment 
nearer  to  its  end.  Let  me  remember  that  I  am  now  warned 
to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  escape  for  my  life  to 
Jesus,  the  ransom  and  surety  of  lost  sinners. 


DECEMBER    2. 

THE  DESPISED  SAVIOUR. 

"  He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men."  —  Isa.  liii.  3. 

These  words  are  spoken  of  Christ ;  let  us  view  them 
As  THE  RECORD  OF  AN  AWFUL  FACT.  Here  is  the  Son 
of  God  despised  and  rejected  of  men.  This  was  the  case 
when  he  appeared  in  human  form,  to  accomplish  the  work  of 
salvation  ;  and  it  is  so  now.  To  whom  is  the  statement  ap- 
plicable ?  To  those  loho  deny  his  Godhead.  Such  individu- 
als despise  and  slight  his  person,  reject  his  claims,  and  refuse 
to  acknowledge  his  divine  credentials.  Those  who  despise 
his  blessings.  He  has  pardon,  peace,  joy,  and  all  needful 
blessings  to  bestow  ;  but  the  language  of  thousands  is,  "  Thy 
gifts  be  to  thyself."  Those  who  neglect  his  ordinances.  The 
voice  from  the  closet,  the  sanctuary,  the  Scriptures,  and  the 
domestic  circle,  is,  "  He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men." 
Let  us  regard  these  words 

As    THE    UTTERANCE    OF    A    SORROWFUL    LAMENTATION. 

Here  is  the  com])laint  of  a  good  man.  Our  grief  is  excited 
when  we  think  of  the  excellency  of  the  Object  despised.  "  He 
is  despised."  But  is  there  any  real  ground  of  offence  in 
him  ?     No.     He  possesses  every  thing  calculated  to  draw 


THE    NATURE    OF    DYING    DAILY.  367 

forth  our  affections  to  him.  We  are  grieved  when  we  think 
of  the  conduct  of  those  who  despise  him.  They  ai"e  guilty  of 
the  greatest  folly,  ingratitude,  and  rebellion  :  they  are  "  sin- 
ners against  their  own  souls."     Consider  the  words 

As  THE  EXPOSURE  OF  A  GREAT  SIN.  Those  who  are  guilty 
of  it  despise  the  best  Friend,  one  whose  friendship  sweetens 
our  mercies,  soothes  our  sorrows,  and  enriches  our  souls. 
They  reject  the  richest  blessings,  preferring  the  dust  of  earthly 
pleasures  to  the  diamonds  and  jewels  of  spiritual  enjoyments. 
They  expose  themselves  to  the  greatest  misery.  An  awful  pun- 
ishment awaits  those  who  "  crucify  to  themselves  the  Son  of 
God  afresh."  Let  me  earnestly  pray  to  behold  the  gloi'ies 
and  excellences  of  Christ,  that  I  may  love  him  supremely, 
and  beware  of  despising  his  people  ;  for  what  is  done  to 
them  he  considers  as  done  to  himself;  It  is  between  Christ 
and  his  Church  as  between  two  lute-strings  ;  no  sooner  is  one 
struck,  but  the  other  trembles.  When  Saul  persecuted  the 
Church,  Jesus  said  to  him,  "  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest 
thou  me?" 


DECEMBER    O. 

THE  NATURE  OF  DYING  DAILY. 

"  I  die  daily."  —  1  Cor.  xv.  31. 

So  said  Paul,  and  it  were  well  if  we  could  adopt  the  same 
language.     Let  us  here  notice 

The  nature  of  the  duty  referred  to.  What  is  it  to 
die  daily  ? 

It  supposes  a  readiness  for  death.  This  is  twofold,  ha- 
bitual and  actual :  the  one  consists  in  a  change  produced  in 
our  nature  and  state  ;  the  other,  in  a  comfortable  assurance 
of  a  better  life  in  the  world  to  come.  Paul  was  actually  as 
well  as  habitually  prepared  for  death  ;  for  he  could  say,  "  I 
am  now  ready  to  depart." 

It  implies  a  serious  consideration  of  death.  It  is  hard  to 
bring  the  mind  to  bear  on  this  solemn  subject ;  we  naturally 
recoil  from  it.  But  death  to  Christians  is  only  the  trans- 
plantation of  the  flowers  of  grace  from  the  nursery  ground 
of  the  church  below  to  the  garden  of  Paradise  above  :  during 
the  process  there  may  be  the  appearance  of  withering ;  but 
they  soon  revive,  spreading  their  leaves  in  greater  freshness, 
and  blooming  with  increased  beauty. 

It  includes  a  watchfulness  for  death.     "  Being  ready  "  ar- 


368  THE   ADVANTAGES    OF    DYING    DAILY. 

gues  a  safe  state,  and  "  watching,"  a  suitable  frame.  Chris- 
tians, though  warriors,  are  not  always  watchers  ;  sometimes 
they  forget  their  way,  their  work,  their  warfare,  and  their 
journey's  end. 

It  involves  a  continued  act  of  self-dedication.  To  die 
daily  is  daily  to  surrender  ourselves  into  our  Redeemer's 
hands,  not  knowing  how  long  we  have  to  live.  David  did 
this  —  Psalm  xxxi.  5.  Paul  did  it,  and  could  say,  "  I  know 
whom  I  have  believed." 

It  is  associated  with  a  desire  for  the  coming  of  death.  Job 
felt  this  when  he  said,  "  I  loathe  it :  I  would  not  live  alway." 
David  said,  ''  Oh  that  I  had  wings  like  a  dove !  for  then 
would  I  fly  away  and  be  at  rest."  Paul  had  a  desire  to  de- 
part and  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  better.  How  mel- 
ancholy is  it  that  so  few  engage  in  the  exercise  of  dying 
daily !  Let  me  die  daily  to  sin  and  the  world,  that  I  may 
live  to  holiness  and  to  God. 


DECEMBER    4. 

THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  DYING  DAILY. 

"  I  die  daily."  —  1  Cor.  xv.  31. 

This  language  sounds  strange  in  the  ears  of  the  ungodly, 
who  wish  to  banish  all  thoughts  of  death  from  their  minds ; 
but  the  true  Christian  will  desire  to  enter  more  deeply  and 
fully  into  its  spiritual  import.     Note 

The  advantages  of  this  daily  death. 

It  checks  worldly-mindedness.  The  love  of  the  world  de- 
plumes the  pinions  of  the  soul  with  which  it  would  soar 
towards  heaven ;  but  a  daily  look  at  death  will  enable  us 
more  freely  to  spread  our  wings,  and  rise  on  high,  leaving 
the  world  and  all  things  below  in  the  distance. 

It  subdues  pride.  The  strong  man  would  not  glory  in  his 
strength,  if  he  were  properly  affected  with  the  fact,  that  soon 
his  body  shall  be  consigned  to  the  grave,  and  covered  with 
putrefaction.  Shall  we  be  proud  of  this  clay  tenement  that 
shall  crumble  into  ruins?  Let  us  rather  strive  after  the 
beauty  of  the  immortal  spirit. 

It  prepares  us  for  dying  comfortably.  It  is  impossible 
for  us  to  die  peacefully  till  we  have  learned  the  important 
lesson  of  dying  daily.  The  beUever's  death  may  be  com- 
pared, not  so  much  to  the  setting  sun  that  sinks  behind  the 
darkened  west,  obscured  among  the  tempests  of  the  sky,  as 
to  the  morning  star  that  melts  away  into  the  light  of  heaven. 


INTRUSTED  TALENTS.  369 

DECEMBER  5. 

INTRUSTED  TALENTS. 

"  Occupy  till  I  come." — Luke  xix.  13. 

We  have,  in  the  chapter  before  us,  the  parable  of  the 
pounds.  This  respresents  our  Saviour's  return  from  earth  to 
heaven,  to  take  possession  of  his  kingdom,  and  tlie  opportu- 
nities and  advantages  he  gives  to  us,  to  use  them  till  the  time 
of  reckoning,  when  he  shall  come  at  the  last  day  to  judge  the 
world.  There  are  many  talents  he  has  given  us  —  reason, 
health,  property,  influence,  the  means  of  grace  and  religious 
privileges,  are  so  many  talents,  concerning  which  he  says, 
"  Occupy  till  I  come."  Let  us  here  consider  time  as  a  talent 
intrusted  to  us  to  improve. 

It  is  a  talent  committed  to  us  by  God. 

He  is  our  Benefactor  ;  "  every  good  and  perfect  gift  is  de- 
rived from  him."  Have  we  life  ?  "  In  him  we  live,  and 
move,  and  have  our  being."  Are  we  possessed  of  rational 
faculties  ?  "  The  inspiration  of  the  Almighty  hath  given  us 
understanding."  Are  we  destined  to  live  forever?  He 
kindleth  that  spark  which  the  waters  of  death  cannot  quench. 
All  our  advantages  are  only  ours  for  a  season,  and  human  life 
itself 

"  Is  but  a  loan  to  be  repaid  with  usury, 
When  he  shall  come  to  call  his  debtors  to  account, 
From  whom  ai'e  all  our  blessings." 

It  is  a  talent  op  great  value. 

What  Job  said  of  wisdom  may  be  applied  to  time.  "It 
cannot  be  gotten  for  gold,  neither  shall  silver  be  weighed  as 
the  price  thereof."  Would  you  know  the  value  of  time  ? 
Remember  on  this  moment  hangs  eternity.  Would  you 
know  the  value  of  time  ?  "  Ask  cleath-beds  ;  they  can  tell." 
How  many  who  have  squandered  away  their  lives,  have  said 
at  the  last,  Oh  that  I  might  live  one  year,  one  month,  one  day 
longer  !  Oh  that  the  sun  might  go  back  ten  degrees,  as  it  did 
on  the  dial  of  Ahaz,  or  even  stand  still,  as  it  did  in  answer 
to  Joshua's  desire,  that  I  might  implore  mercy  from  heaven, 
ere  the  darkness  of  death  encompasses  me ;  but  no,  the  ap- 
pointed time  is  expired,  the  divine  patience  is  exhausted,  the 
day  of  grace  is  closed,  the  arrow  is  flown,  the  moment  is 
gone,  the  soul  is  launched  into  the  ocean  of  eternity.  Would 
you  know  the  value  of  time  ?  Remember,  when  once  lost,  it 
can  never  be  regained. 


370  REDEMPTION    OF    TIME. 

DECEMBER    6. 

REDEMPTION  OF  TIME. 

"  Redeeming  the  time." — Col.  iv.  5. 

This  should  be  our  continual  employment,  seeing  that  the 
time  is  short  and  so  uncertain.  We  should  seek  to  turn  its 
measured  portions  to  good  account.  How  much  of  this  in- 
valuable commodity  have  we  lost ;  how  little  have  we  re- 
deemed ! 

It  is  a  talent  for  which  we  must  give  an  ac- 
count. The  language  of  our  Master  is,  "  Occupy  till  I 
come."  This  is  the  period  of  our  probation  ;  but  the  time  of 
retribution  will  come.  You  7iow  have  this  talent,  but  it  is 
only  for  a  season  ;  how  soon  will  the  language  be  heard, 
"  Give  an  account  of  thy  stewai'dship,  for  thou  mayest  be 
no  longer  steward."  How  little  are  our  minds  impressed 
with  the  fact  of  the  vast  responsibility  that  attaches  itself  to 
us  as  rational,  intelligent,  and  immortal  beings  ! 

It  is  a  talent  intrusted  to  us  for  our  improve- 
ment. We  are  to  "  occupy,"  or  to  trade  with  his  talent,  till 
the  coming  of  our  Lord.  How  may  we  best  improve  it  to 
God  ?  We  are  to  do  it  by  living  to  his  glory.  If  we  are 
actuated  by  right  principles,  his  glory  will  be  the  chief  object 
at  which  we  shall  aim.  To  ourselves.  Time  is  given  us  to 
prepare  for  eternity.  We  have  much  to  do  in  a  little  time  ; 
therefore  it  becomes  us  to  set  about  it  with  all  the  fervor  and 
earnestness  of  our  souls.  The  manna  was  to  be  gathered  in 
the  morning,  and  the  orient  pearl  is  generated  by  the  morn- 
ing dew.  How  sad  for  an  individual  to  begin  to  die  be- 
fore he  has  begun  to  live  !  To  others.  The  love  of  Christ 
constrains  its  possessor  to  live  not  to  himself.  Christianity 
teaches  us  to  cherish  a  benevolent  and  philanthropic  spirit ; 
to  do  good  unto  all  men,  but  especially  unto  those  who  are  of 
the  household  of  faith.  This  life  is  peculiarly  a  state  of  hope. 
The  anchor  of  hope  is  never  seen  amid  the  shining  waves 
of  the  ocean  of  bliss  ;  nor  in  the  raging  tempests  of  the  sea 
of  Jehovah's  wrath  in  hell  —  it  is  only  used  on  the  river  of 
time  —  let  us  fix  it  within  the  veiL 

"  To  Jesus  may  we  fly, 

Swift  as  the  morning  light, 
Lest  life's  young  golden  beams  should  die 
In  sudden,  endless  night." 


SWEET    EXTRACTED    FROM    BITTER.  371 

DECEMBER   7. 

SWEET  EXTRACTED  FROM  BITTER. 

"  Out  of  the  eater  came  forth  meat,  and  out  of  the  strong  came  forth  sweetness." 
Judges  xiv.  14. 

Let  us  apply  this  sentiment  to 

The  death  of  Christ.  Mournful  indeed  was  the  pe- 
riod when  he  hung  upon  the  accursed  tree,  descended  into 
the  grave,  and  became  a  prisoner  of  death.  Behold  the  Light 
of  the  world  wrapped  in  a  mournful  shroud,  the  Sun  of 
righteousness  set  in  blood,  and  the  Lord  of  life  numbered 
with  the  dead :  no  equipage  of  mourners  in  black  pay  their 
last  tribute  of  respect  to  him  ;  but  the  sun  becomes  black  as 
sackcloth,  and  shuts  his  glories  in ;  and  there  was  darkness 
from  the  sixth  to  the  ninth  hour.  "We  hear  of  none,  who, 
according  to  the  Jewish  custom,  rent  their  garments,  but  the 
rocks  were  rent  asunder,  and  the  veil  of  the  temple  was  rent 
from  the  top  to  the  bottom  ;  the  inhabitants  of  hell  rejoiced  in 
the  supposed  ruin  and  infamy  of  the  cause  of  Christ :  but, 
"  glory  to  God  in  the  highest,"  the  death  of  Christ  is  the  life  of 
the  world,  the  triumph  of  grace,  and  the  salvation  of  his  people. 
'T  is  this  that  inspires  us  with  hope,  assures  us  of  pardon,  and 
secures  eternal  glory.  From  the  bitter,  God  extracts  sweet : 
"  out  of  the  eater  came  forth  meat,  and  out  of  the  strong  came 
forth  sweetness."  Was  not  the  death  of  Christ  the  conquering 
of  sin,  and  the  overthrow  of  Satan's  kingdom  ?  The  Wonder- 
ful Counseller  was  too  wise  for  the  old  serpent,  and  the  Lion 
of  the  tribe  of  Judah  too  strong  for  the  red  dragon.  Satan 
was  defeated ;  "  Through  death  he  destroyed  him  that  had 
the  power  of  death,  that  is,  the  devil."  Interested  in  the 
death  of  Christ,  may  we  not  look  down  to  the  dreary  man- 
sions of  the  grave  ?  and  while  we  hear  the  Saviour  whisper, 
"  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life,  ye  shall  rise  again,"  may 
we  not  exclaim,  "  O  grave  !  where  is  thy  victory  ?  O  death  ! 
where  is  thy  sting  ?  " 

"  Here,  0  my  soul !  thy  trust  repose ; 
If  Jesus  is  forever  mine. 
Not  death  itself — that  last  of  foes  — 
Shall  break  a  union  so  divine." 


372  samson's  riddle. 

december  8. 
SAMSON'S  RIDDLE. 

"  Out  of  the  eater  came  forth  meat,  and  out  of  the  strong  came  forth  sweetness." 
Judges  xiv.  14. 

Many  things  in  the  world  of  nature  are  calculated  to  fur- 
nish us  with  useful  reflections,  and  from  which  we  may  de- 
rive much  instruction.  The  rose  is  surrounded  with  thorns 
for  its  preservation  and  loveliness —  so  the  Christian  is  en- 
compassed by  afflictions ;  thorns  and  briars  are  in  his  way, 
for  the  preservation  and  improvement  of  his  gra(5es.  The 
thunder-storm,  passing  along  the  heavens,  purifies  the  air,  and 
destroys  those  noxious  vapors  which  would  prove  injurious 
to  the  human  frame  ;  so  the  storm  of  affliction  bursts  over 
the  Christian's  head,  that  he  may  be  prepared  for  the  air  of 
holiness,  and  breathe  in  the  atmosphere  of  heaven.  The 
darkness  of  night  is  essential  to  the  growth  of  vegetation  as 
well  as  the  light  of  day ;  so  the  dark  clouds  of  adversity 
tend  as  much,  yea,  even  more,  to  the  believer's  advantage 
than  the  sunshine  of  prosperity.  We  are  naturally  led  to 
these  observations  from  the  language  of  the  text,  which  con- 
tains Samson's  riddle,  see  ver.  12  — 14.  As  Samson  extract- 
ed honey  from  the  lion,  so  God  from  the  bitter  trials  of  his 
people  extracts  sweets,  for  the  increase  of  their  graces,  and 
the  promotion  of  their  maturity  for  heaven.  But  the  senti- 
ment may  be  applied  to  many  things,  which  we  may  find  it 
profitable  to  consider.     We  begin  with 

The  occurrence  of  sin.  How  lovely  was  the  morn- 
ing of  our  world  when  our  first  parents  were  perfectly  holy 
and  happy  !  but  it  was  not  to  last  long ;  a  dark  cloud  arose, 
and  overspread  the  whole  creation  with  the  shroud  of  death. 
Man  sinned,  he  fell,  he  became  unhappy,  and  was  exposed  to 
the  wrath  of  the  Most  High ;  and  we  are  all  involved  in  this 
lost  estate.  But  God  from  this  bitter  extracts  sweet.  While 
we  mourn  over  the  reign  of  sin  by  the  first  Adam,  let  us  re- 
joice that,  by  the  second  Adam,  "  grace  reigns  through  righte- 
ousness unto  eternal  life."  Is  not  the  Saviour  more  glorious 
in  the  depth  of  his  condescension  than  in  the  height  of  his 
praises  ?  A  monarch  is  glorious  on  his  throne,  swaying  the 
sceptre  of  authority  over  a  whole  nation  ;  but  if  he  descend, 
and  visit  the  cottage  of  some  poor  distressed  subject,  and 
dry  up  the  tears  of  some  tried  family,  shorn  of  every  com- 


THE    CURSE    TURNED    INTO    A    BLESSING.  373 

fort,  and  reduced  to  the  last  extremity  of  woe,  is  he  not  more 
glorious,  inasmuch  as  true  dignity  is  condescending  ?  Christ 
was  glorious,  when  from  all  eternity  he  was  seated  on  his 
heavenly  throne,  receiving  the  joyful  acclamations  and  praises 
of  countless  numbers  of  angelic  hosts ;  but  he  was  more  glo- 
rious when  he  came  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  was  lost. 
Imagine  the  condemned  criminal,  about  to  suffer  the  sentence 
of  the  law,  conducted  to  the  place  of  execution  —just  as  the 
unhappy  man  is  about  to  be  launched  into  eternity,  a  messen- 
ger comes  with  a  free  pardon  from  the  king;  could  he  not 
enjoy  more  in  the  reception  of  the  pardon  than  ever  he  did 
before  ?  So  the  Christian  is  condemned  by  a  violated  law, 
and  no  human  sacrifice  could  expiate  his  crime ;  he  obtains 
forgiveness  through  the  atonement  of  Christ,  and  is  delivered 
from  all  condemnation. 


DECEMBER    9. 

THE  CURSE  TURNED   INTO  A  BLESSING. 

"  Out  of  the  eater  canie  forth  meat,  and  out  of  the  strong  came  forth  sweetness  " 
Judges  xiv.  14. 

The  sentiment  contained  in  these  words  may  also  be  ap- 
plied to  '■ 

The  AFFLICTIONS  OF  God's  people.  In  the  immense 
machinery  of  Providence,  notwithstanding  the  complicated 
movement  of  all  the  parts,  each  wheel  is  revolving  in  its 
proper  place,  for  the  accomplishment  of  his  purposes,°and  the 
display  of  his  glory.  We  are  prone  to  murmur  at  God's 
ways ;  but  the  sense  of  present  affliction  should  not  drown 
the  remembrance  of  past  mercies.  Words  flow  apace  when 
we  complain  ;  our  minds,  our  mouths,  and  prayers,  are  full  of 
our  trials.  We  inscribe  his  mercies  on  the  sand,  and  the  first 
wave  of  trouble  washes  all  away.  Are  not  Christians  fed 
by  Iheir  afflictions  ?  "  Out  of  the  eater  comes  forth  meat  •" 
their  graces  are  fed;  their  faith,  hope,  love,  and  repentance. 
Happy  is  It  when  the  death  of  our  comforts  proves  the  resur- 
rection of  our  graces.  Does  it  not  purify  ?  "  He  shall  sit 
as  a  refiner  to  purify  the  sons  of  Levi,  and  purge  them  as 
gold  and  silver.  Does  it  not  improve  their  graces  ?  "  That 
the  trial  of  your  faith,  being  much  more  precious  than  of 
gold  that  pensheth,  though  it  be  tried  with  fire,  might  be 


374  THE    CURSE    TURNED    INTO    A    BLESSING. 

found  unto  praise,  and  honor,  and  glory,  at  the  appearing  of 
Jesus  Christ."  Does  it  not  strengthen  ?  "  And  he  shall  pass 
through  the  sea  with  affliction,  and  I  will  strengthen  them  in 
the  Lord."  Is  it  not  an  evidence  of  sonship  ?  For  "  whom 
the  Lord  loveth  he  chasteneth,  and  scourgeth  every  son 
whom  he  receiveth."  Does  it  not  meeten  us  for  glory  ?  "  For 
our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us 
a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory."  As  the 
mighty  rushing  wave  —  canopied  with  the  mild  azure  sky  — 
decorates  and  beautifies  the  ocean,  so  do  afflictions  grace  and 
adorn  the  Christian  ;  his  bosom  may  be  racked  with  tempes- 
tuous trials,  while  his  soul  is  enjoying  the  mild  atmosphere  of 
heavenly  joys.  Out  of  the  bitter  waters  of  affliction,  God 
extracts  the  sweet  streams  of  consolation  ;  but  there  must  be 
time  for  this  : 

"  His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 
Unfolding  every  hour ; 
The  bud  maj'  have  a  bitter  taste, 
But  sweet  will  be  the  flower." 

The  sentiment  of  the  text  may  be  also  applied  to 
The  Christian's  death.  Death  is  part  of  the  curse,  and 
one  of  the  baneful  effects  of  sin  ;  but  God  turns  this  curse 
into  a  blessing.  Go  to  the  bed-side  of  the  man  of  God,  and 
witness  his  last  moments  ;  nature  is  sinking  apace,  his  tongue 
falters,  his  cheek  is  pale,  his  sight  dim,  and  the  lamp  of  life  is 
quivering  and  ready  to  expire  ;  but  peace  is  reigning  in  his  con- 
science, and  composure  rests  on  his  brow.  "  Can  this  be 
death  ?  "  the  dying  saint  exclaims  :  "  I  see  beyond  the  limits  of 
the  grave,  the  last  enemy  is  destroyed,  '  Surely  the  bitterness 
of  death  is  past.' " 

"  How  sweet  the  hour  of  closing  day, 
When  all  is  peaceful  and  serene, 
And  when  the  sun,  with  cloudless  ray, 
Sheds  mellow  lustre  o'er  the  scene  I 

Such  is  the  Christian's  parting  hour ; 

So  peacefully  he  sinks  to  rest ; 

When  faith,  endued  from  heaven  with  power, 

Sustains  and  cheers  his  languid  breast." 


HOLDING    FAST    WHAT    WE    UAVli.  375 

DECEMBER    10. 

HOLDING  FAST  WHAT  WE  HAVE. 

"  Behold,  I  come  quickly  ;  hold  fast  that  which  thou  hast."— Rev.  ili.  11. 

The  Christian  has  certain  talents  committed  to  him,  of 
which  he  is  not  the  proprietor,  but  the  steward ;  and  by  and 
by  he  will  be  called  to  give  in  his  account.  In  the  passage 
before  us  we  may  notice  three  things : — 

A  POSSESSION  ACKNOWLEDGED.  "  That  which  thou  hast." 
We  have  the  word  and  doctrines  of  Christ,  and  the  ordinan- 
ces of  religion ;  and  if  true  believers,  we  have  the  impression 
of  divine  truth  in  the  heart,  and  the  laws  of  God  engraven 
on  the  mind ;  we  have  saving  knowledge,  sincere  love,  evan- 
gelical repentance,  unfeigned  faith,  and  Gospel  obedience. 

A  DDTT  ENJOINED.  " /ToW  that  fast  which  thou  hast;" 
that  is,  be  eager  and  zealous  in  your  continuance  in  the  ways 
of  religion.  This  we  are  to  do  boldli/.  We  have  glorious 
examples  of  this :—  Moses  would  rather  suffer  persecution, 
Daniel  would  rather  be  cast  into  the  lion's  den,  than  lose  what 
he  had  ;  the  three  Hebrew  youths  would  rather  expose  them- 
selves to  the  flames ;  Isaiah  would  rather  be  sawn  asunder ; 
Stephen  would  rather  be  stoned  ;  and  martyrs  and  confessors 
seal  their  testimony  to  the  truth  of  the  Gospel  with  their 
blood.  But  it  must  be  done  meekh/.  The  meekness  of  the 
lamb  must  be  combined  with  the  boldness  of  the  lion.  Blind 
and  infuriated  zeal  is  offering  strange  fire  to  the  Lord.  It 
must  be  done  constantly.  Our  zeal  must  not  resemble  the 
morning  cloud  and  the  early  dew,  which  soon  pass  away,  but 
be  like  the  never-tiring  sun,  performing  its  course  re^-ularly. 

A  MOTIVE  SUPPLIED.     "  Behold  I  come  quickly." 

7%e  solemnity  of  the  event.  "  I  come."  This  alludes  to  his 
second  advent ;  he  shall  come  to  reckon  with  his  servants,  to 
punish  his  enemies,  and  reward  his  friends.  Should  not  this 
excite  us  to  the  performance  of  the  duty  ?  The  manner  of 
his  approach.  "  Quickly."  Neariy  two  thousand  years  have 
elapsed  since  this  declaration  was  made.  The  Lord  is  at 
hand  !  the  Judge  is  at  the  door !  The  attention  it  demands 
"Behold  !"  "  Behold  !"  and  act  as  one  who  shall  be  person- 
ally concerned  in  its  solemnities. 


376       METHOD  AND  EXTENT  OF  SALVATION. 
DECEMBER  11. 

THE  METHOD  AND  EXTENT  OF  SALVATION. 

"  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the  uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him, 
seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them." — Heb.  vii.  25. 

This  interesting  and  delightful  passage  has  been  the  means 
of  encouraging  many  a  penitent  to  look  on  him  whom  he  has 
pierced,  with  the  hope  of  pardon ;  and  many  a  backslider  to 
look  again  towards  God's  holy  temple.     Let  us  contemplate 

The    PARTICULAR     CHARACTERS     DESCRIBED.        "Them 

that  come  unto  God  by  him."  This  is  a  short  but  beautiful 
description  of  believers.  What  is  implied  in  coming  to  God 
by  Christ  ?  A  belief  in  the  existence  of  God.  "  He  that 
cometh  to  God,  must  believe  that  he  is."  This  is  at  the 
foundation  of  all  true  religion.  "  If  the  fool  should  say  in 
his  heart  there  is  no  God,  every  pulse  of  that  heart  replies, 
there  is  ;  and  every  action  of  that  vital  organ  adds,  He  is  thy 
Maker."  A71  acknowledgment  of  human  ffuilt.  The  penitent 
sinner  comes  to  God  confessing  his  sins  and  iniquities,  which 
have  deserved  the  Divine  wrath  and  indignation.  A  reliance 
on  the  merits  of  Christ.  We  come  unto  God  by  him.  As 
the  guilty  worshipper  under  the  Mosaic  economy  came  before 
God,  and  sought  peace  and  pardon  thi-oughthe  medium  of  the 
sacrifice  he  presented  ;  so  the  penitent  sinner  draws  near  to 
God,  in  the  name  of  Christ,  and  looks  for  the  Divine  favor 
by  virtue  of  the  atonement  of  the  Son  of  God. 

The  EXTENT  OP  THE  REDEEMER'S  POWER.  "  He  is  able 
to  save  to  the  uttermost ;"  that  is.  He  is  able  to  save  the  most 
noto7'ious  sinners.  Here  we  might  allude  to  many  recorded 
in  Scripture,  whose  sins  were  of  an  aggravated  nature,  but 
who  obtained  mercy.  He  is  able  to  save  the  most  aged  sinners. 
He  can  pardon,  sanctify,  and  save,  those  who  have  lived  a 
long  life  of  rebellion  against  his  righteous  authority.  None 
are  so  old  but  that  they  may  be  born  again.  He  is  able  to 
save  to  the  last.  He  can  impart  the  light  of  grace  when  the 
flame  of  life  is  just  expiring.  There  is  the  instance  of  the 
thief  on  the  cross.  "  Here  is  one  such  instance,"  said  Augus- 
tine, "  that  none  might  despair,  and  only  one  that  none  might 
presume."  It  is  a  true  but  affecting  remark,  that  death-bed 
repentance  is,  in  many  cases,  but  the  flashing  of  the  flame 
that  is  never  to  be  quenched,  and  the  first  gnawing  of  the 
worm  that  never  dies.  "  Therefore  to-day,  if  ye  will  hear  his 
voice,  harden  not  your  hearts." 


Christ's  abiliti'  to  save.  377 

december  12. 
CHRIST'S   ABILITY   TO  SAVE. 

"  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  sare  them  to  the  uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him, 
seeing  he  ever  liyeth  to  make  intercession  for  them." — Heb.  Tii.  25. 

The  epistle  to  the  Hebrews  is  a  strong  and  beautiful  chain 
of  argument,  every  link  of  which  is  so  fine,  and  so  connected, 
that  it  is  not  easy  to  consider  one  part  without  injuring  the 
whole.  The  passage  before  us  is  full  of  encouragement  to 
the  penitent  sinner :   let  us  draw  near  and  examine  it. 

The  interesting  fact  asserted.  Christ's  ability  to 
save.  This  implies  the  awful  condition  of  mankind  by  nature, 
as  sunk  in  sin  and  exposed  to  eternal  wrath.  On  what  does 
the  power  of  Christ  to  save  sinners  rest  ? 

T'he  perfection  of  his  atonement.  This  was  prefigured  in 
the  splendid  retinue  of  Jewish  services  and  ceremonies ; 
there  were  the  various  animals  oflfered  up  in  sacrifice  accord- 
ing to  the  Divine  appointment ;  there  was  the  fire  ascending 
from  above  to  consume  the  otl'ering,  and  this  was  typical  of 
the  justice  of  God  demanding  a  satisfaction  for  sin  ;  then 
there  were  the  rolling  clouds  of  smoke  ascending  towards 
heaven,  which  pre-figured  the  acceptance  of  that  grand  aton- 
ing sacrifice  presented  on  Calvary,  which  rose  as  incense  to 
Jehovah  of  a  sweet-smelling  savor.  But  sacrifices  are  now 
done  away  with  ;  the  lamb  is  no  longer  led  to  the  shrine  ;  the 
sprinkling  of  blood  is  discontinued  ;  the  fire  is  quenched  ;  the 
shechinah  no  longer  burns,  and  the  incense  smokes  no  more ; 
we  can  look  to  the  actual  sacrifice  which  has  been  offered  up. 

The  perpetuity  of  his  life.  "  He  ever  liveth."  He  hath 
an  unchangeable  Priesthood  :  he  is  the  same  yesterday,  to-day, 
and  for  ever.  Hear  him  exclaim,  with  an  air  of  majesty  be- 
coming a  God,  "  Before  Abraham  was,  I  am."  He  lives  to 
fulfil  the  duties  of  his  office :  he  lives  to  represent  his  people ; 
and  because  he  lives,  they  shall  live  also. 

The  prevalence  of  hib  intercession.  "  He  ever  liveth  to 
make  intercession  for  them."  "When  the  Jewish  priests,  on 
the  great  day  of  atonement,  offered  sacrifice,  they  appeared 
before  the  Lord  in  the  holiest  of  all,  made  intercession  for  the 
people,  and  then  went  out  to  the  multitudes,  who  were  anx- 
iously waiting  their  arrival,  and  blessed  them  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord.  Just  so  did  the  great  High  Priest  of  our  profes- 
sion, when  he  had  made  an  end  of  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  him- 
self; he  ascended  up  on  high  to  the  holy  of  holies,  to  make 
32* 


378  THE    BIBLE    COMPARED    TO    A    SWORD. 

intercession  for  his  people,  and  ere  long  he  shall  come  again 
and  bless  them  with  glory,  honor,  and  immortality.  "  So 
Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of  many ;  and  unto 
them  that  look  for  him,  shall  he  appear  the  second  time,  with- 
out sin  unto  salvation." 


DECEMBER    13. 

THE  BIBLE    COMPARED   TO  A  SWORD. 

"  The  sword  of  the  Spirit."— Eph.  ti.  17. 

Various  iigures  are  employed  in  Scripture,  in  setting 
forth  the  Christian  life.  He  is  compared  to  a  racer  on  the 
course,  a  wrestler  in  the  games,  a  mariner  on  the  ocean,  and 
a  warrior  in  the  field.  The  chapter  from  which  this  passage 
is  selected,  presents  before  us  the  spiritual  panojily  of  the 
soldier  of  Christ.     Let  us  notice 

The  striking  figure  by  which  the  Bible  is  set 
FORTH.     It  is  designated  a  sword.     But  why  ? 

Because  it  penetrates  into  the  most  secret  recesses  of  the 
heart.  The  sword  is  of  no  use  while  it  remains  in  the  scabbard, 
it  must  be  taken  out  in  order  to  do  execution  ;  and  this  justly 
applies  to  the  Bible  ;  it  is  of  no  use  in  the  house,  the  head, 
or  the  memory,  unless  it  is  in  the  heart.  The  heart  is  the 
scabbard  where  the  sword  of  the  Spirit  must  be  sheathed. 
"  For  the  word  of  God  is  quick  and  powerful,"  (fee,  Heb.  iv. 
12.  O  what  discoveries  are  made  when  the  heart  is  opened 
by  the  Spirit ;  the  evil  thoughts  and  imaginations,  desires  and 
affections,  come  to  light !  One  single  stroke  of  this  weapon 
can  penetrate  into  the  very  lowest  depths  of  the  soul. 

Because  it  subdues  the  most  inveterate  enmity  of  the  mind. 
This  is  the  sword  that  conquers  rebel  man,  and  brings  him  to 
the  foot  of  the  cross  as  an  humble  penitent.  Nothing  is  done 
to  purpose,  till  the  word  enters  into  the  heart.  "  The  weap- 
ons of  our  warfare  are  not  carnal,  but  mighty  through  God 
to  the  pulling  down  of  strongholds,"  such  as  ignorance,  preju- 
dice, enmity,  and  self-righteousness.  This  weapon  strikes  at 
the  root,  and  does  not  merely  lop  the  branches. 

Because  it  defends  from  the  most  powerful  attacks  of  the 
enemy.  Our  Lord  used  it  in  his  combat  with  Satan  on  the 
mount,  and  repelled  his  attacks  with  the  words,  "  It  is  written." 


THE    BIBLE    COMPARED    TO    A    SWORD.  379 

What  he  did,  we  must  do.  Does  the  enemy  tempt  us  to  dis- 
believe the  authenticity  of  the  Scriptures  ?  we  must  exclaim, 
It  is  written,  "  These  things  are  faithful  and  true ;  and  we 
have  not  followed  a  cunningly  devised  fable."  Does  he  tempt 
us  to  believe  that  we  shall  serve  the  Almighty  for  nothing  ? 
we  must  repel  the  attack,  by  bringing  forth  the  Scripture 
testimony,  "  Godliness  is  profitable  unto  all  things."  Does 
he  try  to  allure  us  with  the  world's  fascinations  ?  Let  us  ex- 
claim, It  is  written,  "  Love  not  the  world."  Does  he  insinu- 
ate that  our  inward  corruptions  will  be  too  strong  for  the  gra- 
cious principle  ?  let  us  say.  It  is  written,  "  Sin  shall  not  h'ave 
dominion  over  you."  Take  this  sword  with  you  on  all  occa- 
sions, there  is  none  like  it.     But  let  us  notice 

The  peculiar  appellation  by  which  it  is  distin- 
guished. "  The  sword  of  the  Spirit."  The  blade  of  this 
sword  is  tempered  with  the  breath  of  the  Spirit.  Two  rea- 
sons may  be  assigned  for  the  appellation  here  given. 

Because  its  co7itents  were  indited  by  the  inspiration  of  the 
Spirit.  The  Bible  bears  on  it  the  stamp  and  impression  of 
Deity  ;  it  is  emphatically  and  really  "  the  word  of  God."  It 
is  not  our  design  to  defend  the  outworks  of  Christianity,  for 
we  take  it  for  granted  that  you  believe  in  the  divine  authen- 
ticity of  Scripture.  "  Holy  men  of  old  spake  as  they  were 
moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost." 

Because  its  meaning  is  explained  by  the  teaching  of  the  Spi- 
rit. Whatever  conquests  are  obtained  by  this  sword,  he  must 
have  the  honor  of  them.  If  the  Bible  is  a  hammer,  he  em- 
ploys it  to  break  the  stony  heart ;  if  it  is  a  nail,  he  fastens  it 
in  a  sure  place  ;  if  it  is  a  lamp,  he  gives  it  light ;  if  it  is  a  fire, 
he  makes  it  burn  ;  if  it  is  food,  he  gives  us  a  relish  for  it;  if 
it  is  a  sword,  he  wields  it. 

"  What  glory  gilds  the  sacred  page! 
Majestic,  like  the  sun; 
It  p;ives  a  light  to  every  age ; 
It  gives,  but  borrows  none. 

"  The  Power  that  gave  it  still  supplies 
The  gracious  light  and  heat ; 
Its  truths  upon  the  nations  rise ; 
They  rise,  but  never  set." 


380  CHRIST    A    STAR    AND    SCEPTRE. 

DECEMBER    14. 

CHRIST  A   STAR  AND   SCEPTRE. 

"  I  shall  see  him,  but  not  now  ;  I  shall  behold  him,  but  not  nigh ;  there  shall  come 
a  star  out  of  Jacob,  and  a  sceptre  shall  rise  out  of  Israel,  and  shall  smite  the  corners 
of  Moab,  and  destroy  all  the  children  of  Sheth." — Numb.  xxiv.  17. 

We  have  in  the  context  an  account  of  Balaam's  prophecy. 
Balak,  the  king  of  Edom,  sent  to  him  from  a  great  distance 
that  he  might  curse  Israel ;  but  Balaam,  against  his  will,  in- 
stead of  cursing,  was  constrained  to  bless  them.  Balak  tried 
him  several  times,  and  took  him  to  different  places,  but  all  to 
no  purpose;  which  greatly  displeased  him,  and  he  sent  Bala- 
am away ;  but  ere  he  departed  he  delivered  a  prophecy  con- 
cerning the  advent  of  the  Messiah,  and  the  future  glory  of  his 
Church.     Let  us  contemplate  the  Saviour 

In  his  glory.  "  A  star."  No  imagery  can  furnish  us 
with  any  thing  like  an  adequate  conception  of  that  Being  who 
has  been  styled  the  Father  of  the  patriarchs,  the  Inspirer  of 
prophets,  the  Master  of  the  apostles,  the  Teacher  of  evan- 
gelists, the  crown  of  the  martyrs,  and  the  praise  of  all  his  saints. 
Pie  is  designated  a  star  for 

The  light  he  imparts.  The  world  was  in  darkness  till  he 
came  as  the  bright  and  morning  star.  He  illuminates  the 
pages  of  inspiration,  enlivens  the  gloom  of  solitude,  dispels 
the  dark  age  of  folly,  gilds  the  shadows  of  the  grave,  and  irra- 
diates the  eternal  world. 

The  direction  he  affords.  In  the  waste  sandy  deserts  of 
the  East,  vvhere  there  are  no  mighty  elevations  to  guide  the 
traveller,  the  stars  of  heaven  are  his  conductors,  leading  him 
safely  to  the  place  of  his  destination.  Before  the  compass  was 
invented,  mariners  took  their  course  by  the  polar  star.  Christ 
is  our  guide  through  this  world  to  the  regions  of  glory. 

The  immutability  he  sustains.  The  nations  of  the  earth 
pass  away  ;  one  generation  succeeds  another,  but  the  stars 
remain  fixed.  So  it  is  with  this  star ;  it  has  been  dispensing 
its  beams  for  many  ages,  and  is  still  immutable  ;  it  shone  on 
our  first  parents  in  the  garden  ;  Abraham  saw  it  and  was 
glad,  Jacob  rejoiced  in  it,  it  illuminated  the  minds  of  prophets, 
was  seen  by  apostles,  who  were  directed  by  it  in  their  course. 
It  shall  shine  in  glorious  splendor  when  the  sun  is  turned  into 
darkness,  and  the  moon  into  blood,  and  the  stars  fall  from 
heaven. 


Balaam's  propiikcv.  381 

december  15. 
BALAA]\rS   PROPHECY. 

"  I  shall  see  him,  hut  not  now ;  I  shall  hehold  him,  but  not  nigh  ;  there  shall 
come  a  star  out  of  Jacob,  and  a  sceptre  shall  rise  out  of  Israel,  aud  shall  smite  the 
corners  of  Moab,  and  destroy  all  the  children  of  Sheth." — Numb.  xxiv.  17. 

This  is  a  remarkable  prediction,  referring  to  the  advent  of 
Christ.     It  points  us  to 

His  office.  '*  A  sceptre  shall  rise  out  of  Israel."  Here 
let  us  contemplate  him 

As  a  Shepherd.  The  sceptre  may  allude  to  a  rod  in  the 
hand  of  a  shepherd  ;  it  is  the  image  of  his  pastoral  character. 
Christ  is  the  good  Shepherd,  and  his  peoide  are  the  sheep  of 
his  pasture.  As  a  Shepherd  he  knows  his  sheep,  thinks  on 
them,  watches  over  them,  feeds  them,  defends  them,  and  re- 
stores them  when  they  wander. 

As  a  King.  A  sceptre  is  an  ensign  of  regal  authority  in 
the  hand  of  kings  ;  the  scepti-e  of  Christ  is  a  sceptre  of  power, 
equity,  righteousness,  love,  and  mercy. 

His  conquests.  "  And  shall  smite  the  corners  of  Moab, 
and  destroy  all  the  children  of  Sheth."  These  prophecies  had 
their  accomplishment  in  the  conquests  obtained  over  the  Mo- 
abites  and  Edomites  in  the  days  of  Ehud,  Gideon,  and  Jeph- 
thah  ;  but  they  have  a  reference  to  the  victories  of  Christ  over 
heathen  nations.  Christ,  by  the  preaching  of  his  Gospel,  and 
the  power  of  his  Spirit,  shall  overcome  pagan  superstition, 
Mohammedan  delusion,  and  infidel  scepticism.  The  word 
here  translated  "  destroy  "  signifies  to  unwall,  and  may  allude 
to  the  taking  away  of  prejudices  against  Christianity,  and  the 
removal  of  ignorance  from  the  mind — he  shall  destroy  their 
hatred  to  the  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  subdue  them  by  the 
power  of  his  grace. 

Ills  advent.  "  I  shall  see  him,  but  not  now  ;  I  shall  be- 
hold him,  but  not  nigh."  Tliis  refers  to  the  long  period  that 
should  intervene  before  Christ's  coming,  which  wjis  1452  years. 
Balaam  saw  him  in  vision,  but  not  nigh ;  it  was  as  if  he  had 
said,  The  time  is  coming  when  I  shall  see  him  on  his  throne, 
surrounded  with  his  holy  angels,  and  ten  thousand  of  his  saints ; 
but  though  I  shall  see  him,  I  shall  not  be  nigh  to  him  ;  I  shall 
see  the  sword  of  his  ver.gcanoe,  and  the  frown  of  his  anger. 
Ah  !  how  many  have  to  say  with  Balaam,  "  I  shall  behold  him, 
but  not  nigh  ! "  There  are  multitudes  that  now  pass  for  pious 
persons,  who  yet  have  to  exclaim,  "  I  shall  behold  him,  but 


382  HEARINfT    THE    VOICE    OF    GOD. 

not  nigh  ; "  not  as  mj  Redeemer,  my  Advocate,  my  Deliverer, 
and  my  all.  Do  you  see  him  now  ?  Do  you  behold  him  nigh  ? 
Do  you  see  him,  so  as  to  believe  in  him,  love  him,  follow  him, 
and  commune  with  him  ?  Oh  the  awful  misery  of  seeing 
Christ  afar  off!  Keep  your  attention  fixed  on  this  star.  Do 
you  sorrow  for  sin  ?  Look  to  it,  and  its  beams  will  fall  on  a 
promise  of  pardon.  Are  you  in  affliction  and  distress  ?  Look 
to  it,  and  its  beams  will  fall  on  a  promise  of  comfort.  Do  you 
mourn  over  bereaving  dispensations  of  Providence  ?  Look 
to  it,  and  its  beams  will  fall  on  that  declaration,  "  When  my 
father  and  my  mother  forsake  me,  then  the  Lord  will  take  me 
up."  When  surrounded  by  the  gloom  of  the  sepulchre,  look 
to  it,  and  its  beams  will  fall  on  that  sweet  assurance,  "  I  am 
the  resurrection  and  the  life  :  he  that  believeth  in  me,  though 
he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live  ;  and  whosoever  liveth  and  be- 
lieveth in  me  shall  never  die." 


DECEMBER    16. 

HEARING   THE  VOICE  OF   GOD. 

"  I  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will  speak." — Psalm  Ixxxr.  8. 

The  whole  verse  from  which  this  passage  is  selected,  pre- 
sents us  with  three  things —  a  wise  resolution,  "I  will  hear 
what  God  the  Lord  will  speak  "  —  a  pleasing  assurance,  "  for 
he  will  speak  peace  unto  his  people,  and  to  his  saints"  —  and  a 
seasonable  admonition ;  "  but  let  them  not  turn  again  to  folly." 
We  inquire 

What  does  God  speak? 

He  speaks  in  creation,  and  we  should  admire.  The  grass  of 
the  field,  the  trees  of  the  forest,  the  flowers  of  the  garden,  hills 
and  valleys,  rocks  and  mountains,  the  mighty  cataract,  the  flow- 
ing river,  and  the  running  stream,  earth,  air,  and  sea, 

"  The  spacious  firmament  on  high, 
With  all  the  blue,  ethereal  sky," 

sun,  moon,  and  stars,  those  glorious  orbs  of  light,  are  vocal 
with  Jehovah's  praise. 

He  speaks  in  providence,  and  we  shordd  adore.  How  de- 
lightful is  the  truth,  "  Our  times  are  in  his  hands  " !  and  how 
desirable  the  feeling,  "  Let  him  do  with  me  as  seemeth  him 


THE    VINEYARD.  383 

good "  !  Christians,  we  are  on  the  mighty  waters,  tossed 
with  wave  upon  wave,  but  our  Father  is  at  the  helm  ;  we  have 
a  wise  pilot,  who  will  land  us  safe  on  Canaan's  peaceful  shores. 

He  speaks  in  the  Gospel,  and  we  should  hear.  How  few 
visit  the  house  of  God  with  this  impression  fixed  on  the  mind ! 
But  what  does  he  speak  ?  Peace  to  his  people,  terror  to  his 
enemies,  and  encouragement  to  the  penitent. 

How  SHOULD  "WE  HEAR?  It  is  God  that  speaks,  and 
therefore  we  should  hear  with  attention.  God  speaks  to  us, 
therefore  we  should  hear  with  self-application.  We  are  too 
prone  to  hear  for  others  instead  of  ourselves.  I  recollect  the 
remark  of  a  Welsh  preacher,  now  in  glory,  It  is  a  good  thing 
when  the  sermon  makes  the  hearer  go  home  quarreling  with 
himself.  God  speaks  to  us  for  our  benefit,  therefore  we  should 
hear  with  prayer.  Pie  will  not  always  speak,  and  therefore 
we  should  hear  without  delay.  God  speaks  once,  yea,  even 
twice ;  we  have  line  upon  line,  and  precept  upon  precept. 
The  fire  is  not  always  brought  out  of  the  flint  the  first  time  it 
is  struck  ;  nor  are  spiritual  affections  kindled  under  the  first 
entreaties  of  the  Gospel.  Defer  not  the  consideration  of 
divine  things  to  a  future  season. 


DECEMBER    17. 

THE   VINEYARD. 

"  Son,  go  work  to-day  in  my  Tineyard." — Matt.  xxi.  28. 

These  words  form  part  of  one  of  the  parables  of  our  Lord 
delivered  to  the  chief  priests  and  elders  in  tlie  temple,  which 
is  recorded  from  the  28th  to  the  32d  verse.  We  may  here 
observe 

The  scene  of  labor.  "  ]My  vineyard."  By  the  sin  of 
Adam,  says  Henry,  we  are  turned  out  to  work  upon  the  com- 
mon ;  but,  by  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  we  ai'e  called  to 
work  again  in  the  vineyard.  There  is  a  vineyard  in  which 
every  man  should  work.  That  vineyard  is  your  own  heart ; 
you  must  begin  here,  labor  to  improve  your  gifts  and  graces, 
cultivate  those  tempers  and  dispositions  which  are  in  accord- 
ance with,  and  which  will  shed  a  lustre  on  the  Gospel  you 
profess.  Then  there  is  the  family,  the  religious  society  with 
which  you  are  connected,  the  neighborhood  in  which  you  live, 
and  the  world  at  large. 


384  CHRIST    OUR    LEADER. 

The  divine  command.  "  Son,  go  work."  You  are  not 
to  visit  the  vineyard  as  an  idle  spectator,  but  as  an  active  la- 
borer.    It  includes 

A  diligent  attention  to  your  own  personal  salvation.  How 
inconsistent  to  appear  zealous  for  the  conversion  of  others 
around  us,  while  we  are  yet  in  our  sins  !  It  is  a  sad  reflec- 
tion, "  They  made  me  keeper  of  the  vineyards,  but  mine  own 
vineyard  have  I  not  kept." 

An  active  exertion  for  the  spiritual  interests  of  others.  "  Go 
work  ;"  instruct  the  ignorant,  warn  the  careless,  direct  the  in- 
quirer ;  and  let  all  be  done  with  prayer,  diligence,  perseve- 
rance, and  in  hope  of  success. 

The  period  of  exertion.  "  To-day."  This  is  the  lan- 
guage of  the  Gospel ;  the  command  is  urgent,  and  the  obedi- 
ence must  be  prompt,  because  the  work  is  important,  the  scene 
is  extensive,  the  time  is  short,  life  is  uncertain,  our  responsi- 
bility is  great,  the  Judge  is  even  at  the  door,  and  present  facil- 
ities may  soon  be  withdi*awn  ;  the  lamp  of  life  may  shortly  be 
extinguished,  or  the  candlestick  of  the  Gospel  removed  out  of 
its  place.  Time  is  one  thing,  opportunity  is  another ;  the  cage 
of  time  may  remain,  while  the  bird  of  opportunity  has  flown. 


U.  ^~^*    L  ^  {}• 


-^-U., 


DECEMBER    18. 

CHRIST  OUR  LEADER. 

"  A  leader."  —  Isa.  Iv.  4. 


In  the  verse  from  which  these  words  are  selected,  Christ  is 
represented  in  a  threefold  capacity,  as  a  Witness  to  bear  tes- 
timony to  the  truth,  a  Leader  to  guide  us  into  it,  and  a  Com- 
mander to  rule  and  govern  us  by  his  power.  Let  us  contem- 
plate him  as  a  Leader. 

Whom  does  he  lead  ?  He  is  said  to  be  given  to  "the 
people  ;  "  that  is,  those  who  are  called  by  his  grace  and  sancti- 
fied by  his  Spirit,  a  chosen,  holy,  honorable,  happy,  wise,  will- 
ing, and  obedient  people  ;  —  a  people  who  have  yielded  them- 
selves to  his  government,  and  consecrated  themselves  to  his 
glory. 

Where  does  he  lead  ?  With  respect  to  the  way  in 
which  Christ  leads  his  people,  the  Scriptures  furnish  us  with 
abundant  information.     It  is  a  right  way,  the  way  of  truth  and 


BELIEVERS    BORNE    ON    EAGLES'   WINGS.  385 

of  wisdom ;  a  peaceful  way,  for  all  who  travel  in  it  have 
peace  with  God,  and  peace  of  conscience  ;  a  peculiar  way,  as 
it  differs  from  the  course  of  this  world  ;  a  narrow  way,  in 
which  there  are  but  comparatively  few  found  ;  a  pleasant  way, 
where  communion  with  God  is  enjoyed,  and  the  happiness  of 
heaven  is  anticipated  ;  it  is  the  good  old  way,  in  which  the  re- 
deemed in  glory  have  walked,  but  it  is  a  way  that  is  evil 
spoken  of  by  the  enemy. 

How  DOES  HE  LEAD  ?  Xumerous  and  diversified  are 
his  qualifications  as  a  Leader.  He  leads  effectually  —  by  his 
grace  he  leads,  and  by  his  power  he  keeps  them  in  the  way ; 
wisely  and  in  a  right  manner:  kindly,  gently, and  safely. 

To  WHAT  DOES  HE  LEAD  ?  To  the  high  and  dignified 
state  to  which  believers  are  destined.  He  leads  them  to 
glory,  honor,  and  renown  ;  to  a  Father's  house,  a  land  of  rest, 
a  rich  and  incorruptible  inheritance,  to  the  best  of  society,  to 
tliose  blissful  regions 

"  Where  our  best  friends  and  kindred  dwell, 
Where  God  our  Sovereip-n  reims." 


DECEMBER    19. 

BELIEVERS  BORNE  ON  EAGLES'  WINGS. 

"  Ye  hare  seen  how  I  bare  you  on  eagles'  wings,  and  brought  you  unto  myself." 
Ezod.  xix.  4. 

This  is  a  most  touching  and  sublime  description  of  the 
divine  goodness  towards  the  Israelites.  It  is  almost  impossible 
to  carry  out  the  boldness  and  grandeur  of  the  comparison. 
See  Deut.  xxxii.  10  —  12.     The  text  contains  two  things. 

A    FIGURATIVE    ILLUSTRATION    OF  AN  IMPORTANT  W^ORK. 

We  may  apply  it  to  three  things  in  the  history  of  the  Chris- 
tian. To  the  period  of  conversion.  Then  God  bears  sinners 
on  eagles'  wings,  and  brings  them  to  himself.  He  stirs  up 
the  nest  of  self-righteousness  and  carnal  security ;  flutters 
over  them,  excites  and  teaches  them  to  fly  towards  heaven  in 
their  desires  and  affections.  It  will  also  apply  to  the  season 
of  deliverance.  So  it  is  employed  in  the  passage  before  us  ; 
and  is  descriptive  of  the  speed  with  which  God  comes  to  the 
help  of  his  people,  and  the  security  he  effects ;  for  the  eagle 
38 


386  PASSING    OVER   JORDAN. 

is  not  only  a  swift  but  a  powerful  bird.  Other  birds  carry 
their  young  in  their  talons,  but  the  eagle  bears  them  on  her 
wings  ;  so  that,  if  the  archer  would  shoot  them,  he  must  pierce 
through  her  first.  It  will  apply  to  their  final  happiness.  He 
will  bear  his  people  on  eagles'  wings  to  heaven.  It  may  be 
he  may  bear  them  through  many  a  dark  and  trying  scene  ; 
but  they  shall  be  brought  to  glory  at  last.  "  Nothing  is 
promised  us  here  with  certainty  as  followers  of  Christ,  but  a 
cross  on  our  shoulders  ;  and  that  he  will  bear  us  on  eagles' 
wings  —  and  he  does  bear  us  !  But  this  eagle  does  not  al- 
ways soar  through  bright  sunbeams  and  blue  heavens,  with 
his  beloved  resting  on  his  pinions :  through  the  storm  and 
tempest  also  he  holds  his  bold  career.  Yet  if  he  does  but 
carry  us  !  '  The  Breaker  is  his  name  ;'  upwards  ascends  his 
path  ;  and  he  will  never  drop  us  from  his  wings,  until  the 
palm-trees  of  everlasting  peace  rustle  around  our  heads." 
Here  is 

A    TOUCHING     APPEAL     AS     TO     THE     PERFORMANCE     OF 

THIS  WORK.  Christian,  you  have  seen  what  he  did  in  th'e 
period  of  conversion  —  acknowledge  it.  You  have  seen 
what  he  has  done  in  the  season  of  deliverance  — praise  him. 
You  have  heard  what  hs  has  promised  to  do  in  reference  to 
your  final  glory  —  trust  him.  Let  ministers,  teachers,  pa- 
rents, and  all  who  have  the  instruction  of  others,  bear  in 
mind  this  lovely  image  :  — 

"  And  as  the  bird  each  fond  endearment  tries, 
To  tempt  her  new-fledged  offspring  to  the  skies  ; 
Employ  each  art,  reprove  each  dull  delay, 
Allure  to  brighter  worlds,  and  lead  the  way." 


DECEMBER    20. 

PASSING  OVER  JORDAN. 

"  For  ye  shall  pass  over  Jordan  to  go  in  to  possess  the  land  which   the  Lord  your  God 
giveth  you,  ajid  ye  shall  possess  it,  and  dwell  therein." — Deut.  xi.  31. 

The  history  of  the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness  affords  a 
striking  type  of  the  Christian  pilgrim's  journey  through  this 
desert  world  to  the  heavenly  Canaan.     Note 

The  ANTICIPATED  INHERITANCE.  "  The  land  which  the 
Lord  your  God  giveth  you."     No  country  mentioned  in  Scrip- 


PASSING    OVKR   JORDAN.  387 

ture  is  connected  with  such  interesting  associations  as  the 
land  of  Canaan.  Wherein  was  it  typical  of  heaven  ?  It  was 
a  land  of  promise.  God  promised  it  to  the  children  of 
Israel  for  a  possession,  as  far  back  as  Abraham.  "  Unto  thy 
seed  will  I  give  this  land."  So  heaven  is  promised  as  the 
Christian's  home.  It  was  a  land  of  abundance  ;  Deut.  xi. 
9  —  11.  Ezekiel  calls  it  the  glory  of  all  lands,  and  David 
speaks  of  it  as  a  pleasant  land.  In  heaven  there  is  a  fulness 
of  joy,  and  abundance  of  spiritual  provisions.  It  tvas  a  land 
of  rest;  Deut.  xii.  9.  Earth  is  the  scene  for  labor,  but  heaven 
a  place  of  rest.  It  was  a  holy  land ;  Zech.  ii.  12.  Heaven 
is  holy  in  its  inhabitants,  pleasures,  worship,  and  employ- 
ments. In  earthly  portions,  the  greater  number  there  is  to 
participate,  the  less  proportion  does  each  one  possess  ;  but  the 
Christian's  inhei-itance  resembles  the  light  of  the  sun  :  though 
millions  are  benefited  by  it,  each  may  call  it  his  own,  as  if 
there  were  none  to  enjoy  it  but  himself. 

The  manner  of  possession.  The  introduction  of  the 
Israelites  to  it  is  ascribed  to  the  sovereign  mercy  of  God ; 
Deut.  ix.  4  —  6.  Christian,  it  is  "  the  land  which  the  Lord 
your  God  giveth  you."  But  when  are  you  to  enter  it,  and 
by  what  way  ?  "  Ye  shall  pass  over  Jordan."  The  streams 
of  Jordan  rolled  between  the  desert  and  the  land  of  Canaan  ; 
so  the  river  of  death  flows  between  the  seen  and  unseen 
world.  "  Flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit  the  kingdom  of 
God." 

The  characters  alluded  to.  Are  you  not  ready  to 
say  with  Abraham,  "  Lord  God,  whereby  shall  I  know  that 
I  shall  inherit  it  ? "  LTnbelievers  cannot ;  the  unholy  and 
unprepared  cannot.  It  is  for  those  who  are  called  by  God's 
grace,  sanctified  by  his  Spirit,  and  devoted  to  his  glory.  You 
must  pass  over  Jordan,  whatever  be  your  character ;  but  the 
question  is,  On  what  shore  will  you  land  ?  Prepare  to  meet 
thy  God ! 

"  Those  holy  gates  foreA-er  bar 
Pollution,  sin,  and  shame  ; 
And  none  shall  gain  admittance  there, 
But  followers  of  the  Lamb." 


388  THE  saviour's  announcement. 

DECEMBER    21. 

THE  SAVIOUR'S  ANNOUNCEMENT. 

"  He  which  testifleth  these  things  saith,  Surely  I  come  quickly.    Amen." 
Kiev.  xxii.  20. 

These  words  are  placed  at  the  close  of  the  canon  of  in- 
spiration, and  have  a  reference  to  one  of  the  most  solemn 
events  of  which  we  can  possibly  conceive,  and  one  in  which 
all  are  personally  concerned.     Let  us  observe 

The  Saviour's  announcement.  This  is  the  third  time 
in  the  course  of  the  chapter  that  Christ  solemnly  announces 
his  coming.  The  two  great  advents  of  the  Saviour,  spoken 
of  in  the  New  Testament,  are  his  coming  in  the  destruction 
of  Jerusalem,  and  his  coming  to  the  general  judgment.  The 
first  is  already  past,  the  other  is  yet  to  come  ;  and  concerning 
this  he  speaks  in  the  passage  before  us.  Three  things  may 
be  remarked  with  regard  to  it. 

Its  designs.  These  are  of  the  most  important  nature.  He 
shall  come  to  vindicate  his  character  and  government,  to  dis- 
play his  glory,  to  summon  all  mankind  to  his  tribunal  to  sur- 
render their  final  account  to  him,  and  to  pass  and  execute  just 
and  righteous  sentences  on  all. 

Its  certainty.  Reason  teaches  us,  that  such  a  period  of 
universal  scrutiny  and  examination  must  arive  ;  but  we  have 
a  more  sure  word  of  prophecy ;  revelation  affirms  it ;  the 
faithful  and  true  witness  declares  it.     "  Surely  I  come  quick- 

Its  period.  "  Quichly."  The  infidel  and  the  sceptic  are 
ready  to  say.  Ah,  it  is  nearly  two  thousand  years  since  he 
made  the  announcement,  and  he  has  not  come  yet !  where  is  the 
sign  of  his  coming?  But  do  they  not  know  that  one  day 
with  the  Lord  is  as  a  thousand  years,  and  a  thousand  years  as 
one  day  ?  They  need  not  complain  of  his  delay  :  perhaps  the 
Judge  will  come  too  soon  for  them,  before  they  are  prepared 
to  meet  him. 

"  See,  the  Lord  appears  in  view ; 
Heaven  and  earth  before  him  fly  : 
Rise,  ye  saints,  lie  comes  for  you  ; 
Bise  to  meet  him  in  the  sky." 


TUE  christian's  kesponse.  380 

DECEMBER    22. 

THE    CHRISTIAN'S  RESPONSE. 

"  Even  80,  come,  Lord  Jesus."'  —  Kev.  xxii.  20. 

"While  revelation  presents  Jesus  to  our  view  as  the  Friend 
of  sinners,  in  the  attitude  of  entreaty,  it  invests  him  with  the 
robes  of  glory  and  majesty,  as  the  Judge  of  quick  and  dead, 
and  points  us  to  a  great  day  of  universal  retribution.  While 
the  wicked  shall  dread  his  coming,  the  righteous  shall  hail  his 
approach,     "  Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesus.     Notice 

The  Christian's  response.     This  is  the  language  of 

Lively  faith.  Not  the  faith  that  is  dead,  being  alone ;  not 
the  faith  of  the  formalist,  but  that  which  is  vital,  evangelical, 
which  works  by  love,  and  purifies  the  heart. 

Confident  expectation.  He  who  knows  in  whom  he  has 
believed,  and,  from  his  own  experience  and  the  witness  of  the 
Spirit,  is  sure  that  he  is  interested  in  the  Saviour,  may  adopt 
this  language.  According  to  the  divine  promise,  he  is  ''  look- 
ing for  that  blessed  hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing  of  the 
great  God,  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ." 

Earnest  desire.  Christians  not  only  look,  but  long,  for  the 
coming  of  Christ ;  therefore  they  are  spoken  of  as  those  that 
love  his  appearing.  They  desire  it,  because  then  they  shall 
be  like  him,  and  see  him  as  he  is. 

Patient  acquiescence.  Thus  they  are  waiting  and  watching 
for  him.  They  have  not,  or  ought  not  to  have,  such  a  desire  to 
depart,  as  to  render  them  unfit  for  present  duties,  or  impatient 
under  trials  ;  their  language  is.  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  in  thine 
own  time,  and  in  thine  own  way.  Seeing  we  look  for  such 
thuigs,  what  manner  of  persons  ought  we  to  be  !  How  hum- 
ble, prayerful,  devout,  holy,  serious,  and  watchful !  Christians, 
we  shall  then  have  a  key  to  unlock  the  mysteries  of  his  provi- 
dence ;  let  us  therefore  suspend  our  judgment.  The  beauty 
of  a  thing,  says  one,  appears  at  the  moment  of  its  maturity, 
which  God  waits  for.  He  that  tastes  the  blossom,  instead  of 
the  fruit,  will  pass  a  wrong  judgment  upon  it ;  he  that  would 
limit  his  idea  of  the  beauties  of  vegetation,  to  their  ajipearance 
in  the  winter  season,  would  judge  very  blindly.  "Wait,  there- 
fore, and  see  the  end  of  the  Lord. 


33* 


390  CHRIST   OUR   CAYSPRING. 

DECEMBER    23. 

CHRIST  OUR  DAYSPRING. 

"  Through  the  tender  mercy  of  our  (Jod  ;  whereby  the  daysprmg  from  on  high  hath 
visited  us,  to  give  light  to  them  that  sit  in  darkness  and  in  the  shadow  of  death,  to 
guide  our  feet  into  the  way  of  peace."  —  Luke  i.  78, 79. 

Three  things  are  here  presented  to  our  view  in  reference 
to  the  advent  of  Christ. 

Its  necessity.  This  is  proved  from  the  affecting  and  aw- 
ful condition  of  mankind  by  sin.  It  is  a  state  of  darkness. 
The  Jews  lived  under  a  comparatively  dark  dispensation,  and 
all  other  nations  were  sunk  into  a  state  of  pagan  ignoi'ance 
and  superstition.  But  Christ  is  denominated  the  light  of  the 
world.  The  dayspring  signifies  the  dawn  or  first  rays  of  the 
sun  rising  in  majestic  grandeur  in  the  eastern  skies.  It  is  a 
state  of  death.  Sinners  are  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins,  dead 
to  the  knowledge  of  God,  the  love  of  Christ,  and  the  grace  of 
the  Spirit.  It  is  a  state  of  error.  Therefore  it  is  said,  he 
came  to  guide  our  feet.  We  all,  like  sheep,  have  gone  astray  ; 
we  have  wandered  far  from  God,  happiness,  holiness,  and 
heaven.  It  is  a  state  of  enmity.  Therefore  Jesus  guides  us 
into  the  way  of  peace. 

Its  design.  This  is  fourfold,  and  exactly  meets  the  case 
of  poor  perishing  sinners.  Is  our  natural  state  one  of  dark- 
ness ?  He  is  the  dayspring  from  on  high,  to  dispel  the  mists 
of  superstition,  and  I'emove  the  clouds  of  ignorance  that  gath- 
ered around  the  children  of  men.  Is  our  natural  state  one  of 
death  ?  He  imparts  spiritual  life  in  the  work  of  grace,  and 
eternal  life  in  the  realms  of  glory.  Is  our  natural  state  one 
of  error?  He  guides  our  feet.  Is  it  one  of  enmity?  He 
leads  us  into  peace. 

Its  source.  "  Through  the  tender  mercy  of  our  God." 
Observe 

His  endearing  character.  "  Our  God."  He  is  so  in  Christ. 
Here  we  have  God  in  our  nature,  and  God  on  our  side  ;  our 
God  under  the  most  interesting  relations. 

The  attribute  ascribed  to  him.  "  Tender  mercy."  The 
mercy  of  God  is  seen  in  every  link  of  the  chain  of  our  salva- 
tion —  but  notice  the  quality  of  this  attribute,  "  tender  mercy." 
This  is  expressive,  and  signifies  the  yearning  compassion  of 
a  fond  parent.  Let  us  inquire  whether  this  dayspring  from 
on  high  has  visited  us,  whether  the  first  beams  of  the  Sun  of 
righteousness  have  darted  on  our  souls. 


THE  ALTOGETHER  LOVELY.  391 

DECEMHER  24. 

THE   ALTOGETHER  LOVELY. 

"  He  is  altogether  lovely."— Sol.  Song,  v.  16. 

This  is  spoken  of  Christ,  for  there  is  none  other  to  whom 
the  language  is  applicable ;  while  creatures  have  their  ex- 
cellences, they  have  also  their  imperfections,  but  not  so  with 
him :  they  are  to  be  admired  for  some  things,  and  censured 
for  others ;  there  are  spots  in  the  sun,  but  none  in  the  Sun  of 
righteousness ;  "  he  is  altogether  lovely."  Let  us,  in  a  few 
words,  prove  and  then  improve  the  subject. 

Let  us  prove  it.  And  where  shall  we  gather  our  evi- 
dence ?  Ye  shining  hosts  of  angels  that  encircle  the  throne 
on  which  he  sits  in  dazzling  brightness  on  high,  tell  us  your 
thoughts  of  him  while  ye  celebrate  his  praise  and  sing,  "  Wor- 
thy is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain,  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and 
Avisdom,  and  strength,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing." 
Spirits  of  the  departed  just,  ye  now  see  him  in  his  glory,  what 
do  you  say  of  him  ?  Behold  they  cast  their  crowns  at  his  feet, 
and  cry,  "  Thou  art  woi'thy  ;  for  thou  wast  slain,  and  hast  re- 
deemed us  to  God  by  thy  blood."  Patriarchs,  prophets,  disci- 
ples, apostles,  martyrs,  confessors,  and  reformers,  all  speak  of 
his  glory,  and  tell  of  his  grace.  What  a  mass  of  evidence  is 
there  in  the  Bible,  and  in  the  experience  of  believers  in  every 
age,  to  prove  that  "  he  is  altogether  lovely  "  !  Is  high  birth  a 
recommendation  ?  He  is  God's  first-born,  higher  than  the 
kings  of  the  earth.  Is  wisdom  an  excellence  ?  "  In  him  are 
hid  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowledge."  Is  holiness  to 
be  desired  ?  He  is  the  Holy  One  of  God.  Is  faithfulness  a 
recommendation  ?  lie  is  the  faithful  and  true  witness.  Is 
wealth  desirable  ?  He  is  heir  of  all  things.  Is  love  a  recom- 
mendation? The  love  of  Christ  passeth  knowledge.  Is  gen- 
tleness pleasing  ?  He  will  not  break  the  bruised  reed,  nor 
quench  the  smoking  flax.  Is  beauty  an  excellence  ?  He  is 
fairer  than  the  children  of  men  ;  he  is  the  rose  of  Sharon,  and 
the  lily  of  the  valley ;  he  is  the  chiefest  among  ten  thousand, 
yea,  he  is  altogether  lovely. 

Let  us  improve  it.  Is  the  Saviour  altogether  lovely, 
and  does  he  possess  such  an  endless  variety  of  excellences  ? 
Then  let  us  admire  him  ;  let  him  reign  supreme  in  our  hearts  ; 
let  him  have  the  throne  in  our  affections,  and  all  creatures  but 
the  footstool.  Let  us  exercise  confidence  in  him,  and  exem- 
plify devotedness  to  him. 


392  THE    CHILD    JESUS. 

DECEMBER    25. 

THE   CHILD  JESUS. 

"  The  child  Jesus." — Luke  ii.  43. 

To  the  contemplation  of  this  lofty  subject  we  are  naturally 
led  by  the  return  of  this  annual  season,  commonly  called 
Christmas  Day.     Let  us,  then,  behold  in  the  child  Jesus 

An  object  of  wonder.  "Were  all  the  angels  of  heaven 
transformed  into  the  most  insignificant  insects,  this  would  be 
a  mystery  ;  but  it  would  bear  no  comparison  with  the  amazing 
fact  of  God  manifest  in  the  flesh.  Think  of  the  everlasting 
Father  becoming  a  little  child;  he  who  thunders  in  the 
heavens,  weeping  in  the  manger  ;  he  who  is  clothed  with  light 
as  a  garment,  wrapt  in  swaddling  clothes.  Let  us  go  to  Beth- 
lehem, and  see  the  child  Jesus. 

An  object  of  jot.  Rejoice  in  him  as  the  mercy  prom- 
ised to  the  Fathers,  the  Seed  of  the  woman,  Jacob's  Shilolz, 
Isaiah's  Immanuel,  Jeremiah's  King,  Ezeldel's  Shepherd, 
Daniel's  Son  of  Man,  Zechariah's  Branch,  Micah's  Ruler  of 
Israel,  Haggai's  Desire  of  all  Nations,  Malachi's  Angel  of 
the  Covenant,  Abraham's  Sacrifice,  Noah's  Ark,  Jacob's  Lad- 
der, Moses'  Brazen  Serpent,  Solomon's  Temple,  the  Founda- 
tion-stone in  the  building  of  mercy,  the  brightest  Jewel  in  the 
cabinet  of  truth,  the  Pearl  of  great  price  in  the  field  of  Scrip- 
ture, the  Rose  of  Sharon  and  the  Lily  of  the  Valley  in  the 
garden  of  the  Church,  the  Sun  of  righteousness  in  the  firma- 
ment of  revelation  —  rejoice  in  the  \vonders  of  his  incarna- 
tion, the  holiness  of  his  life,  the  efficacy  of  his  death,  the  suf- 
ficiency of  liis  atonement,  the  prevalence  of  his  intercession, 
and  the  triumphs  of  his  grace. 

An  object  of  love.  Every  thing  connected  with  the 
Saviour  should  excite  our  admiration,  and  call  forth  our  es- 
teem. His  infinite  dignity,  his  Mediatorial  excellences,  his 
glorious  undertaking,  and  his  unparalleled  sufferings,  all  de- 
mand our  love  ;  and,  if  we  withhold  it,  the  very  stones  will 
cry  out  against  us. 

An  object  of  faith.  We  are  called  upon  to  look  at 
"  the  child  Jesus,"  not  as  unconcerned  spectators,  but  as  those 
who  are,  or  desire  to  be,  interested  in  the  delightful  scene. 


Simeon's  kesignation.  393 

december  26. 
SIMEON'S  RESIGNATION. 

"  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  according  to  thy  word." 
Lulie  ii.  29. 

Simeon  waited  for  the  consolation  of  Israel,  that  is,  for  the 
advent  of  the  promised  Messiah  ;  and  he  did  not  wait  in  vain  : 
he  saw  the  Lord's  Christ,  and  embracing  him,  both  in  the 
arms  of  his  ftiith  and  his  flesh,  he  blessed  God,  and  said, 
"  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  accord- 
ing to  thy  word."  It  is  said  of  some  of  the  Turks,  that,  when 
they  have  seen  the  tomb  of  Mohammed,  they  put  out  their 
eyes,  that  they  may  never  defile  them  again  by  viewing 
earthly  objects :  this  they  do  from  a  blind  and  superstitious 
regard  to  the  false  prophet ;  but  good  old  Simeon  did  not  de- 
sire to  see  any  more  of  this  world,  after  he  had  witnessed 
the  Divine  Redeemer. 

We  have  in  this  passage  a  farewell  to  life,  and  a  welcome 
to  death.     Let  us  dwell  a  little  on  three  topics. 

The  Christian's  character.  He  is  a  servant  of  God. 
This  was  not  always  the  case.  In  the  period  of  conversion, 
he  renounced  the  service  of  sin  and  Satan,  and  yielded  him- 
self to  him  who  is  the  best  of  Masters.  The  service  he  ren- 
ders has  various  properties,  which  we  may  just  allude  to  : — 
it  is  a  spiritual,  loving,  believing,  evangelical,  voluntary,  and 
impartial  service. 

The  Christian's  death.  It  is  here  represented  as  a 
departure  in  peace.     Observe 

Its  nature.  A  departure :  so  Paul  speaks  of  it.  Death  is 
the  departure  of  the  soul  from  the  body ;  it  loosens  the  silver 
cord  that  unites  them  both  ;  it  is  a  departure  from  sorrow  to 
joy,  from  warfare  to  victory,  from  the  partial  to  the  full  en- 
joyment of  God,  from  a  barren  wilderness  to  a  fruitful  Para- 
dise, from  a  dark  and  dreary  night  to  a  bright  and  glorious 
day. 

Its  manner.  It  is  a  departure  in  peace.  This  includes  all 
peace  —  peace  with  God,  peace  of  conscience,  peace  with  our 
fellow- Christians,  and  our  enemies,  yea,  peace  Avith  death  it- 
self. 

The  Christian's  resignation.  "  Lord,  now  lettest 
thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  according  to  thy  word  ;"  — 
as  if  he  had  said.  Now  I  have  seen  and  embraced  the  Sa- 
viour, thou  dost  let  me  depart  in  peace  ;  I  can  die  happy. 
This  implies  an  assurance  of  preparation  for  death,  a  wish  for 
release  from  sin  and  sorrow,  and  a  desire  to  be  with  Christ 


394  THE    DIVINE    APPOINTMENT    OF    CHRIST. 

DECEMBER    27. 

THE    DIVINE   APPOINTMENT    OF    CHRIST. 

"  God  sent  him  to  bless  you." — Acts  iii.  26. 

This  is  spoken  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and  two  things 
may  be  here  remarked  concei-ning  him. 

His  HIGH  AUTHORITY,     "  God  sent  him."     This  includes 

His  appointment  to  his  work.  He  was  employed  as  the 
Father's  servant,  in  his  Mediatorial  capacity,  to  perform  his 
will  and  to  fulfil  his  purpose.  Under  this  character  he  often 
spake  of  himself,  as  having  come  out  from,  and  been  sent  by, 
the  Father.     But  it  also  denotes 

His  anointing  for  his  work.  He  is  said  to  be  anointed  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  in  allusion  to  the  custom  of  the  setting  apart 
of  the  ancient  prophets,  priests,  and  kings  to  their  office,  by 
the  pouring  of  oil  on  their  heads. 

His  benevolent  design.  "  To  bless  you."  Behold  here 
a  miracle  of  mercy  and  a  prodigy  of  love.  He  came  not  to 
smite  the  earth  with  a  curse,  but  to  visit  it  with  a  blessing ;  not 
to  enslave,  but  to  redeem  ;  not  to  wage  war,  but  to  make  peace  ; 
and  now,  instead  of  thunderbolts  of  vengeance  being  hurled,  in- 
stead of  the  angry  storm  of  Jehovah's  wrath  bursting  on  our 
guilty  heads,  and  drowning  us  in  eternal  perdition,  the  waters 
are  assuaged,  the  clouds  that  gathered  so  thickly  around  us 
are  scattered,  our  sky  is  clear  and  bright,  and  there  is  seen, 
flying  in  the  firmament  of  the  Gospel,  the  dove  with  the 
olive  branch  of  peace,  and  the  song  is  heard  chanted  by  the 
angelic  choir,  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth 
peace  and  good-will  toward  men."  The  blessings  which  Je- 
sus confers  are  divine  in  their  origin,  suitable  in  their  nature, 
free  in  their  bestowment,  and  eternal  in  their  duration.  Did 
God  send  the  Saviour  ?  then  let  us  acknowledge  him  ;  did  he 
send  him  to  bless  us  ?  then  let  us  bless  him,  and  receive  him 
as  all  our  salvation,  and  all  our  desire. 

"  Tlie  Saviour  !  oh  !  what  endless  charms 
Dwell  in  that  blissful  sound. ! 
Its  influence  every  fear  disarms, 
And  spreads  delight  around." 


job's  estimate  of  life.  395 

december  28. 
JOB'S   ESTIMATE   OF    LIFE. 

"  I  would  not  live  aJway." — Job  vii.  16. 

When  the  venerable  patriarch,  whose  brow  was  covered 
with  the  snow  of  age,  stood  before  the  Egyptian  monarch,  he 
said,  "  Few  and  evil  have  the  days  of  the  years  of  my  life 
been,  and  have  not  attained  unto  the  days  of  the  years  of  the 
life  of  my  fathers  in  the  days  of  their  pilgrimage,"  Gen.  xlvii. 
9.  David  said,  "  Oh  that  I  had  wings  like  a  dove  !  for  then 
would  I  fly  away,  and  be  at  rest,"  Psalm  Iv.  6.  Paul  had  a 
desire  to  depart,  and  be  with  Chi'ist,  which  is  far  better.  And 
Job  in  this  passage  exclaims,  "  I  would  not  live  alway."  Wlien 
the  Christian  adopts  this  language,  he  does  not  mean  to  man- 
ifest an  indisposition  to  the  duties  of  life,  or  a  murmuring 
spirit  under  the  trials  of  life.  Tliere  are  many  reasons  why 
he  would  not  live  alway.     He  would  not 

When  he  refers  to  the  body.  What  a  clog  is  it  to 
the  operations  of  the  soul !  How  it  binds  us  down  to  earth  ! 
In  the  heavenly  state,  the  pi'operties  of  the  body,  as  well  as 
the  faculties  of  the  soul,  will  be  sanctified  by  the  purity  and 
grace  of  Christ,  and  rendered  fit  for  his  service,  Phil.  iii.  20, 
21.  Then  every  faculty,  energy,  and  power,  shall  move  in 
submission  to  the  divine  will. 

When  he  contemplates  the  soul.  Whether  we 
ascribe  it  to  the  influence  of  the  body  on  the  soul,  or  any 
other  cause,  it  is  too  evident  that  not  one  faculty  of  the  soul 
is  directed  completely  to  the  great  object  of  its  being.  Here 
we  see  the  fruits  and  effects  of  sin  :  the  understanding  is 
dark,  the  affections  unholy,  the  memory  forgetful.  What  a 
contrast  to  the  state  of  the  believer  in  glory  !  He  would  not 
live  alway. 

Because  of  his  absence  from  Christ.  "  Whilst  we 
are  at  home  in  the  body,  we  are  absent  from  the  Lord."  It 
is  true,  his  presence  is  felt  and  enjoyed  here  in  the  exercises 
of  religion,  but  only  partially  ;  we  can  gain  at  best  but  a  very 
impei'fect  view  of  his  glories  ;  the  full  vision  is  reserved  for 
the  period  when  we  shall  be  called  home.  We  are  not  fully 
satisfied  ;  we  want  to  experience  more  of  his  grace  and  love  ; 
more  of  the  comforts  of  his  Spirit.    He  would  not  live  alway, 

Because  of  the  imperfection  of  his  knowledge. 
"  For  we  know  in  part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part."     How 


396  THE    FAITHFUL     SERVANT. 

little  do  we  know  of  the  sublime  truths  of  revelation  !  of  the 
being  and  perfections  of  God  !  of  the  mysterious  union  of 
the  two  natures  of  Christ  ?  of  the  plenitude  of  his  grace,  and 
the  unrivaled  splendor  of  his  glory  !  When,  therefore,  the 
Christian  contrasts  his  present  ignorance  with  his  future 
knowledge,  he  is  induced  to  exclaim,  "  I  would  not  live 
alway," 

Because  of  the  happiness  of  heaven.  Who  would 
live  alway,  when  beyond  the  grave  is  a  paradise  of  joy  ? 
Who  would  live  alway,  when  "  there  remaineth  a  rest  to  the 
people  of  God  "  ?  Who  would  prefer  the  first-fruits  to  the 
full  harvest,  the  drop  to  the  shower,  the  streams  to  the  ocean, 
the  earnest  to  the  full  possession  ?  How  different  is  the  lan- 
guage of  the  worldling  !  If  he  had  his  choice,  he  would  make 
this  world  his  rest  and  home  forever.  We  must  not  live 
alway  on  earth,  whether  we  desire  it  or  not ;  but  we  must  live 
alway,  either  in  heaven  or  hell. 


DECEMBER    29. 

THE  FAITHFUL  SERVANT. 

"  Blessed  is  that  servant  -whoin  his  lord,  when  he  cometh,  shall  find  so  doing." 
Matt.  xxiy.  46. 

In  the  chapter  from  which  these  words  are  selected,  two 
grand  and  solemn  events  are  noticed  :  the  destruction  of  Je- 
rusalem, with  all  the  awful  signs  that  preceded  it ;  that  is 
past  —  and  the  second  advent  of  the  Saviour  ;  that  is  to  come. 
Let  us  contemplate 

The  event  anticipated.  The  coming  of  our  Lord  to 
judgment.  This  shall  be  preceded  by  the  universal  spread 
of  divine  truth.  We  look  forward  to  a  day  when  the  powers 
of  darkness  shall  be  destroyed,  and  the  fetters  of  superstition 
shall  be  broken  ;  when  peace  shall  universally  prevail,  and 
wars  and  fightings  cease  ;  and  the  hopes  we  thus  cherish  are 
not  the  delusions  of  a  disordered  imagination  ;  we  know  him 
that  hath  said,  "  All  nations  shall  serve  him."  His  coming 
to  judgment  shall  be  with  solemn  grandeur.  He  shall  come  as 
a  conqueror,  triumphing  over  sin,  death,  and  hell ;  the  clouds 
shall  be  his  chariot,  and  the  archangel  his  herald  to  announce 
his  approach.  It  shall  be  universal.  "  Every  eye  shall  see 
him  ; "  the  fact  of  his  coming  is  sure,  though  the  period  is 
uncertain. 


THE    bridegroom's   APPROACH.  397 

The  CONDUCT  applatjded.  "  So  doing."  This  refers 
to  verse  45,  where  the  Christian  is  represented  as  a  faithful 
and  wise  servant,  whom  his  Lord  hath  made  ruler  over  his 
household,  to  give  them  meat  in  due  season.  This  conduct 
includes  a  diligent  attention  to  our  own  spiritual  concerns. 
This  is  of  the  highest  importance ;  and  we  cannot  be  too 
strict  in  our  investigation  of  the  real  and  actual  state  of  our 
souls  before  God.  Perhaps  we  have  long  made  a  profession 
of  religion ;  it  becomes  us  to  inquire  as  to  what  we  possess  ; 
where  is  our  faith,  love,  hope,  heavenly-mindedness,  and  other 
Christian  graces  ?  An  anxiety  for  the  welfare  of  others.  We 
are  not  to  ask,  "  Am  I  my  brother's  keeper  ?  "  but  to  do  good 
to  all  as  we  have  opportunity.  Religion  teaches  the  truest 
and  purest  philanthropy.  Zeal  for  the  glory  of  God.  If  the 
fire  of  divine  love  is  kindled  in  the  breast,  the  flames  of 
Christian  zeal  will  be  seen  issuing  in  all  directions.  Our 
motto  should  be,  "  Do  all  to  the  glory  of  Grod."  The  hap- 
piness seciired.  This  is  evidently  involved  in  the  blessing 
pronounced,  "  Blessed  is  that  servant ; "  he  is  blessed  with 
all  spiritual  blessings  in  life  and  death,  in  time  and  eternity. 
This  happiness  includes  an  interest  in  the  divine  protection, 
a  share  in  the  divine  approbation,  and  the  eternal  enjoyment 
of  the  divine  presence  in  heaven. 


DECEMBER  30. 

THE  BRIDEGROOM'S  APPROACH. 

"  Behold,  the  bridegroom  cometh  ;  go  ye  out  to  meet  him."  —  Matt.  xxv.  6. 

This  is  part  of  the  parable  of  the  ten  virgins.  By  the 
five  wise  virgins  we  are  to  understand  true  Christians,  who 
not  only  have  the  lamp  of  profession,  but  the  oil  of  gi'ace  : 
by  the  five  foolish  virgins  are  meant  mere  professors  of  re- 
ligion, who  have  the  lamp  of  profession  in  the  hand,  but  are 
destitute  of  the  oil  of  grace.  There  is  a  beautiful  allusion,  in 
the  parable  before  us,  to  a  known  custom  of  the  Jews  ;  on  a 
mai'riage  solemnity,  the  bridegroom,  attended  by  his  friends, 
came  at  a  late  hour  of  the  night  to  the  house  of  the  bride, 
who  was  in  expectation  of  his  approach,  surrounded  with  her 
bridesmaids,  who,  upon  notice  being  given  of  the  bridegroom's 
approach,  were  to  go  out  with  lamps  in  their  hands,  to  light 
him  to  the  house.  "  While  the  bridegroom  tarried,  they  all 
34 


8^  THE  bridegroom's  appkoach. 

slumbered  and  slept ;  and  at  midnight  there  was  a  cry  made. 
Behold,  the  bridegroom  cometh  ;  go  ye  out  to  meet  him." 
We  may  apply  these  words  to  useful  and  instructive  reflec- 
tions.    Observe,  then, 

The  event  announced.     "  The  bridegroom  cometh." 

He  comes  %n  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel.  He  comes  to  call 
sinners  by  his  grace,  adopt  them  into  his  family,  justify  their 
persons,  renew  their  nature,  sanctify  the  heart,  and  confer 
grace  and  glory. 

He  comes  at  death  and  judgment.  When  the  Son  of  man 
shall  come  to  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  what  a  solemn 
period  will  it  be  !  All  flesh  shall  be  ushered  into  his  pres- 
ence. Then  shall  we  behold  our  God  in  grandeur,  and  our 
world  on  fire. 

The  command  issued.  "  Go  ye  out  to  meet  him."  This 
supposes  that  there  is  a  distance  between  us  and  God,  and 
that  he  is  ready  to  come  and  meet  us.  Thus  it  is  said,  "  Thou 
meetest  him  that  rejoiceth  and  w^orketh  righteousness."  How 
are  we  to  go  out  and  meet  him  ? 

By  reading  the  Scriptures.  Read  them  with  reverence 
and  godly  fear,  with  a  teachable  and  childHl^e  spirit,  and  with 
a  prayerful  dependence  on  the  aid  of  the  Spirit.  By  hearing 
his  word.  The  sanctuary  is  the  place  where  God  has  ap- 
pointed and  promised  to  meet  you.  By  sacred  meditation. 
Some  of  the  most  delightful  interviews  the  believer  has  with 
Jesus  are  obtained  in  the  secret  of  retirement.  By  prayer. 
As  God  promised  to  meet  and  commune  with  the  Israelites  at 
the  mercy-seat,  so  he  now  engages  to  meet  us  in  Christ,  our 
propitiatory.  What  muhitudes  have  met  him  at  a  throne  of 
grace  !  At  the  sacramental  tahle.  Here  he  is  made  known 
in  breaking  of  bread;  here  believers  have  humbling  views  of 
themselves,  and  exalted  views  of  Christ,  and  are  led  to  ex- 
claim, on  a  review  of  such  delightful  seasons  of  meeting, 
"  He  brought  me  into  his  banqueting-house,  and  his  banner 
over  me  was  love." 

The  attention  demanded.  "  Behold  ;"  but  with  what 
feelings  and  sentiments  is  it  to  be  ?  Behold  and  wonder ; 
behold  and  believe  ;  behold  and  prepare  ;  behold  and  rejoice. 


THE  CLOSE  OF  THE  YEAR.  399 

DECEMBER  31. 

THE  CLOSE  OF  THE  YEAR. 

"  Jesus  Christ,  the  same  yesterdaj',  and  to-day,  and  forcTer."  —  Heb.  xiii.  8. 

The  rear  rolls  round,  and  steals  away 

Tho  l)reath  that  first  it  gave  ; 
Whato'or  we  do,  where'er  we  be, 

We're  traveling  to  the  grave. 

By  the  providential  cave  and  kindness  of  God,  we  are 
brought  to  the  last  day  of  another  year  ;  and,  while  we  take  a 
retrospect  of  the  scenes  and  circumstances  through  which  we 
have  passed,  we  are  reminded  of  favors  received,  deliver- 
ances obtained,  mercies  slighted,  and  privileges  abused.  Many 
who  commenced  the  year  with  us  are  now  in  the  silent  man- 
sions of  the  grave  ;  but  Time  is  leaning  on  his  scythe,  and 
waiting  to  converse  with  us  a  little  longer.  It  is  winter  ;  and 
amid  the  dreariness  I  behold  around  me,  let  me,  ere  I  close 
ray  meditations  for  the  year,  glance  an  eye  at  the  unfiiding 
wreaths  of  flowers  which  are  to  be  found  adorning  the  Chris- 
tian Temple.  "  No  virtue  is  here  missing  —  whatsoever  things 
are  true,  honest,  just,  pure,  lovely,  of  good  report,  and  virtu- 
ous, here  vou  behold  them  all.  Humility  sheds  the  sweetness 
of  her  violet  odors  ;  the  passion-flower  of  endurance  min- 
gles itself  with  the  sun-flower  of  faith  ;  from  the  lily  chalice 
of  heavenly-raindeduess  rises  the  sweet  smell  of  every  good 
deed,  in  which  the  left  hand  knows  not  what  the  right  hand 
doeth.  Behold  a  rich,  an  ever-blooming  garland,  from  God's 
garden,  moistened  with  heavenly  dew,  and  bound  together 
with  charity  the  bond  of  perfectness."  While  the  rapid  tide 
is  bearing  us  to  the  ocean  of  eternity,  and  the  sons  of  men, 
one  after  another,  are  passing  away,  we  cannot  close  the  year 
in  a  more  suitable  manner,  than  by  fixing  our  attention  on 
the  Rock  of  Ages,  which,  amidst  every  changing  scene,  re- 
mains immutable —"  Jesus  Christ,  the  same  yesterday,  and 
to-day,  and  forever."  He  is  the  same  in  the  glory  of  his 
person,  the  perfections  of  his  character,  the  riches  of  his 
grace,  the  resources  of  his  power,  the  treasures  of  his  wisdom, 
the  purposes  of  his  love,  the  promises  of  his  word,  and  the 
blessings  of  his  covenant.  Then  let  us  go  to  him  at  all  times, 
and  exercise  im!)licit  confidence  in  him  ;  and  now,  standing  as 
it  were  on  the  threshold  of  another  year,  and  not  knowing 
what  a  day  may  bring  forth,  or  how  soon  the  silver  cord 


400  SWIFTNESS    OF   TIME. 

which  unites  the  body  and  soul  may  be  loosed,  let  us  seri- 
ously and  solemnly  commend  ourselves  to  the  care  of  that 
Divine  Being  who  has  crowned  the  year  with  his  goodness, 
and  earnestly  pray,  that,  when  the  last  day  of  life  shall  arrive, 
we  may  be  prepared  to  enter  upon  a  state  of  immortal  bliss. 


SWIFTNESS    OF    TIME. 

How  swift,  alas !    the  moments  fly  I 

How  rush  the  years  along  ! 
Scarce  here,  yet  gone  already  by  — 

The  burden  of  a  song. 

See  childhood,  youth,  and  manhood  pass, 
And  age,  with  furrowed  brow ; 

Time  was  —  time  .^hall  be  — but,  alas  ! 
Where,  where  in  time  is  now  ? 

Time  is  the  measure  but  of  change ; 

No  present  hour  is  found  ; 
The  past,  the  future,  fill  the  range 

Of  time's  unceasing  round. 

Where,  then,  is  now  ?   In  realms  above, 

With  God's  atoning  Lamb, 
In  regions  of  eternal  love, 

Where  sits  enthi-oned  I  AM. 

Then,  pilgrim,  let  thy  joys  and  fears 

On  time  no  longer  lean  ; 
But  henceforth  all  thy  hopes  and  fears 

From  earth's  aft'ections  wean. 

To  God  let  grateful  accents  rise ; 

With  truth,  with  virtue,  live  ; 
So  all  the  bliss  that  time  denies 

Eternity  shall  give. 


INDEX   OF    SUBJECTS 


Page. 

.  ,       .         ''  63 

Adoption .218 

Affections,  sphitnal *  * ' ' " \     ^^ 

Afflictions,  comfort  in •  •  •  • ' '_     „, » 

sanctilied.  the  benefit  of ^J" 

Ambition,  our  Lord's  frcedbm  from 

Anxiety,  inordinate,  forbidden 312 

Barkslider,  jjrayer  of  the 381 

Balaam's  jirophccy '  _'    _' qQg 

Bargain,  the  unprofitable .'.'."..'.".'.".".".'.'.'.'.   ~35 

Believers,  the  titles  of _' "     go 

led  by  the  Spirit 83 

safety  of ,   005 

borne  on  cap;lcs'  Mings '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'....     90 

union  to  Christ ...,...'! 143 

beritaj^e 226 

friends  of  Grod ] ! ! . ! 287 

given  to  Christ .............'.'....  340 

glorv  conferred  on • .   „ 

pursuit,  peace  and  security  of  ••••••  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  ■  •  * '  •  •  •  •  •  •  ■    *  ^^ 

IVihle  compared  to  a  sword •  ■ .    „  .    - 

Birth,  the  Author  and  nature  of  the  new •  •  •  •  • ^*».  J*» 

Blessing,  the  comprehensive •  * ^.^ 

the  curse  turned  mto  •  •  •  • ^^  „g 

Blessings,  abundance  and  source  of •  •  •  *  *  ■ ' ' ' ' " ' " "_ ' ' "       '^^^ 

Body,  the  mortality  of 140 

Bon'ilage,  the  sinner's 64 

Brethren,  love  to  the 397 

Bridegroom's  approach 160 

Calling,  Ibe  holy '..,......' 41 

Catholic  spirit "" 274 

Change,  the  glorious j^ 

Christ  the  foundation-stone 18 

the  fulness  of ....'.'.'. 1 14 

our  propitiation ' 35^ 

manna  a  type  of-  ••••■•;  ' " ' ,  ■■■■■.■.■.'*.*.'."." 333,  334 

the  power  and  wisdom  01  UoU 

34* 


402  INDEX    OF    SUBJECTS. 

Chi'ist,  the  ark  a  type  of 359 

a  Star  and  iSceptre 380 

and  liis  people  a  wonder 134 

our  Leader 334 

our  dayspring 39O 

the  altogether  lovely 391 

the  Divine  appointment  of 394 

the  presence  of 10 

the  remembrance  of  the  love  of 43 

the  Spirit  of 75 

the  grace  of,  suiBcient 87 

the  character  and  exaltation  of 105 

the  sacrifice  of 152 

the  universal  reign  of 197 

the  growing  triumphs  of 203 

the  intercessory  prayer  of 284 

the  dominion  of 286 

the  name  of,  manifested 288 

the  disciples  of 290 

the  proficiency  of  the  disciples  of 328 

the  ability  of,  to  save 377 

the  atonement  and  intercession  of 23 

the  ransom  of 97 

crucified 102 

the  sufferings  and  grace  of 108 

the  dignified  appellation  of 268 

the  crucifixion  of 272 

the  suff"erings  and  success  of • 335,  336 

being  found  in H 

contemplation  of 36 

visiting  the  tomb  of 106 

walking  in 112 

coming  to 121 

being  in  the  garden  with 193 

advantage  of  being  early  in 222 

the  rejection  and  reception  of 264,  265 

precious 315 

the  preaching  of 332 

the  privilege  of  finding 358 

Christ's  grace  sufficient 87 

death,  results  of 269 

sufferings,  nature  and  design  of 299 

sufferings,  results  of 300 

Christian,  the  possessions  of 17 

a  sojourner 47 

the  dignity  of 49 

the  desire  of 54 

fears  and  encouragements  of 101 

the  trials  and  calculation  of 115,116 

the  persecution,  safety,  and  patience  of 135,  145,  146 

the  sanctification  of 150 

the  establishment  and  preservation  of 163 

the  resolution  of 1 74 

the  exercisa  and  expectation  of 183 


INDEX    OF    SUBJECTS. 


403 


Page. 

Chi'istian,  the  prospect  and  duty  of 1^4 

the  privilege,  prayer,  and  plea  of 224 

the  remembrance  of  past  experience  of 247 

the  knowledge  of  his  change 270 

the  character  and  privilege  of 324 

dead  to  sin,  and  alive  to  God 338i  339 

the  response  of 389 

in  Christ • 220 

liumiliation  and  exaltation 70,  / 1 

meditation ^" 

knowledge j^t 

ioy,  the  secmity  of ^""* 

stedrastness  ^"^^ 

unity  and  activity 260 

confidence 30.- 

joy 235 

joy,  nature  of 303 

joy,  fulness  of 304 

consistency "^ 

instruction,  nature  and  design  of 342,  343 

Church,  the  nature,  foundation,  and  safety  of 213,  214 

encouragement  of • 3-7 

future  glory  of 347 

Communion  at  the  mercy-seat 360 

Contemi)hition  heneficial 356 

Conversation,  becoming ~"'^ 

Conversion,  the  nature  of 307 

Cornelius,  Peter's  visit  to "^ 

Covenant,  the  everlasting ^^ 

Crime,  man's  blackest ^29 

the  awful 314 

Cross,  the  enemies  of 308 

David's  confidence ^^^ 

Death,  man's • ®^ 

Deliverance,  the  timely ■ ^'^^ 

Desertion,  sijiritual 38 

Despair,  cause,  evil,  and  remedy  of 211 

Disciples,  our  Lord's  appeal  to 2/7 

Divine  Being,  the  excellence  of 4^* 

Drawing,  divine " 

Dying  daily 367,  368 

Elihu,  the  advice  of  to  Job '  ^ 

Employment,  the  blessed -" 

Enemy,  attack  and  defeat 280,  281  282 

Eternity,  the  day  of 20- 

Evidences  of  the  divine  participation 250 

F:xith...-. ••••    • 241 

strong 24a 

the  preciousness  of 2/8 

contending  for  the '24 

Father,  the  pleasures  of  the ]^ 

Favor,  Divine,  prayer  for ^''^ 

Fear  and  confidence ^  ^^ 

Fear,  passing  the  time  in *^ 


404  INDEX    OF    SUBJECTS. 

Page. 

Foolish,  forsaking  the 266 

rorgivencss,  the  proclamation  of 352 

Frailty,  human 119 

Freedom,  spiritual » .  92 

Gentiles,  the  ingathering  of 346 

Gentleness 239 

Gift,  the  unspeakable 56 

God,  the  nature  of 48 

the  goodness  of,  to  his  people 59 

the  Lamb  of 103,  104 

the  Almighty 172 

his  knowledge  of  our  path 182 

present  in  the  sanctuary 199 

the  greatest  mercy  of 228 

the  kindness  of,  to  man 295 

our  Rock 283 

our  light  and  salvation 301 

the  believer's  portion 443,  345 

his  hidden  ones 93 

the  children  of 37 

the  people  of 191 

participation  with  the  people  of 180 

singing  in  the  ways  of 1 90 

hearing  the  voice  of 382 

the  happiness  of  those  that  fear 204 

personal  dedication  to 84 

walking  before 8,  1 73 

acknowledging 12 

trusting 27 

continual  dependence  on I33 

casting  our  care  on 1 20 

following 33 

exalting 34 

Availing  on,  in  ordinances 55 

looking  and  waiting  for 171 

drawing  nigh  to 81 

beholding  the  goodness  of 144 

reasoning  with  man 321 

Godliness,  the  nature  and  advantage  of 316,  317 

Goodness 240 

Divine,  the  greatness  of 89 

the  acknowledgment  of  past,  and  confidence  in  future-  •  •  •  215 

a  fruit  of  the  Spirit 240 

Gospel,  unlimited  commission  of • 326 

grand  theme  of  the  ministry  of 331 

success  of 62 

mj'stery 305 

Glory,  future 74 

Glorification,  the  mutual 285 

Glorious  change,  object,  and  office 279 

Grace  and  peace 165 

the  liffht  of 296 

Guidance,  Divine 73 

Heart,  the  enmity  of 217 


INDEX    OF    SUBJECTS.  405 

Page. 

Heart,  the  sacriticc  of  a  broken 110 

Heaven,  negative  description  of 255 

inhabitants  and  joys  of 166,  167 

Hokling  fast  what  we  have 375 

Holiness,  a  call  to 158 

Holy  Ghost,  receiving 223 

Hope,  joy  in 196 

Humility,  Christian 70 

Hypocrisy  and  penitence 86 

Ignorance,  the  times  of 129 

Immutal)ility,  Divine 122 

Inquiry,  the  momentous 362 

the  solemn 65 

Integrity,  the  benefit  of 262 

Jesus,  the  testimony  of 30 

a  Prince 125 

the  Prince  of  peace 126 

our  Commander 256 

the  Prophet 263 

the  Child 392 

Job's  desire 50 

estimate  of  life 395 

Jordan,  passing  over 386 

Joy 235 

in  hope 196 

the  harvest  of 233 

Joyful  sound 128 

Justification 80 

Ivingdom,  receiving  the 15 

Lamb  of  God 103 

Law,  end  and  properties  of 178 

character  and  use  of 293,  294 

Life,  man's 85 

Light,  true 209 

in  darkness 251 

Long-sufiering 2'i3 

Lord,  setting  him  always  before  ns 94 

kno\ving  the 186 

Love 234 

the  attraction  of 72 

Lvdia,  the  character  and  conversion  of 141,  142 

Man's  death 82 

Manna  a  type  of  Christ 131 

Manna,  ceasing  of 132 

Meditation,  nature  and  advantage  of 52,  53 

Christian 96 

Meekness 242 

Mercy-seat,  communion  at 360 

Merit,  human,  disclaimed 273 

Mc.-siah,  the  true 357 

Ministers'  duty 306 

Mortality  of  the  body 253 

Nature,  the  Divine  and  new 248 

Divine  pai-ticipation  in 249 


406  INDEX    OF   SUBJECTS. 

Page. 

Nature,  the  darkness  of 289 

Necessity,  tlie  avowed 1 00 

Obedience  the  test  of  love Ill 

Parental  neglect 231 

Pardon,  blessing  of 351 

Patience 57 

in  trials 275 

Paul's  disinterestedness 298 

estimate 29 1 

faithfulness 309 

Peace 236 

and  prosperity 225 

fruit  of  the  Spirit • 236 

Penitence  and  hypocrisy 86 

Peter's  warning,  fall,  and  recovery 318,  319 

visit  to  Cornelius 98 

Philip's  preaching,  the  effect  of 297 

Poor  in  spirit - 21 

Praise,  the  offering  of  •  •■ 117 

Prayer 51 

delight  in 79 

habitually  recommended 137 

neglect  of * 162 

rules  for 177 

Preaching  Jesus 61 

Preference,  the  Divine 40 

Privilege,  the  acknowledged 91 

Promises,  preciousness  and  variety  of 329,  330 

Protection,  Divine 69 

Providence,  the  harmony  of 66 

Pursuit,  the  laudable 246 

Redeemer,  the  character  of 353 

Redemption 58 

of  the  Christian 99 

the  glorious 140 

Regeneration,  the  instrument  of 267 

Religion,  fervor  in • 22 

practical 25 

advantage  of  personal  and  relative 201 

practical  effects  of 230 

Repentance,  the  universal  command  to 130 

Reply,  the  gracious 67 

Resurrection,  the  doctrine  of ••  363 

Righteous,  the  way  of 348 

the  resurrection  of 364 

Rights,  external,  the  insufiiciencj'  of 88 

Sabbath,  sanctification  of 16 

Sacrifice  of  a  broken  spirit 110 

Salvation,  the  wells  of 26 

of  grace l^S 

through  faith 179 

waiting  for  God's 252 

method  and  extent  of 376 

placed  in  Zion 139 


INDKX    OF    SUBJECTS.  407 

Saiharitans,  the  conduct  of  the 354 

Samson's  riddle 372 

Savioiu-,  the  conflict  and  triumph  of 107   109 

the  dominion  of 193'  325 

the  despised 3g6 

the  announcement  of 388 

Scene,  the  wonderful 219 

Scripture  testimony 46 

Search,  the  im])ortant 188 

Sen^ant,  the  faitiiful 395 

Slicpherd,  the  chief 32 

Simeon's  resignation 393 

Sinner,  the  duty  of 99 

Sin,  the  pardon  of 31 

of  rejecting  Christ 1 70 

Sorrow,  the  seed-time  of 232 

Soul,  the  nature,  redemption,  and  immortality  of 151,  153 

the  value  of 206 

the  destiny  of 254 

Spirit,  the  gift  of 28 

a  Catholic 41 

State,  the  deplorable I57 

Strength,  the  renewal  of 1 23 

Support,  Divine I47 

Sweet  extracted  from  bitter 37 1 

Talents,  intrusted 369 

Temperance 244 

Temptation,  deliverance  from 95 

danger  of,  and  means  of  escaping-  • 322,  323 

Time,  discerning 6 

the  night  of 205 

the  redemption  of 370 

Trouble,  a  resource  in 24 

Truth,  the  aHccting 313 

Unbelief 276 

Ungodly,  the  way  of 349 

Union,  the  interesting 341 

Vineyard,  the 383 

Vision,  the  interesting 355 

Vv'ay,  the  undefilcd  in 1 27 

the  discouragements  of  the 192 

Wicked,  the  resurrection  of  the 365 

Word  of  God  in  the  heart 39 

^Vratli,  deliverance  from 118 

Year,  reflections  on  the  new 5 

reflections  on  the  close  of 399 

Youth,  seeking  Christ  in 68 


INDEX  TO  TEXTS  OF  SCRIPTURE. 


Chap, 
ii. 

xvii. 
xxviii. 


XIX. 

xxr. 


XXI. 

xxiv. 


Genesis. 

Verse.  Page. 

7    153 

1    172,173 

16   199 

Exodus. 

4   133 

35   132 

31    131 

4   385 

22   359,360 

Leviticus. 
44 158 

NUMBEKS. 

4   192 

17   380,381 

Deutebonomy. 

12  16 

31    386 

4  283 

Judges. 

14 371,372,373 

1  Samuel. 

9  69 

2  Samuel. 

5  42 

34 


Chap. 

xiv. 

xxix. 


VII. 

xiii. 
xiv. 
xxiii. 
xxxiv. 


x. 

xvi. 

xvi 

xix. 

xxiii. 

xxxa. 

xxvii. 


xlviii. 
1. 


liii. 
Iv. 
Ivi. 


2  Chronicles. 

Verse.  Page. 

11    224 

17    5 

Nehemiah. 

15   230 

Job. 

16   395 

15  245 

10   362 

3, 4   50 

31,32   76 

Psalms. 

6   348,349 

4   295 

17    215 

2   247 

8   94 

7    46 

1    138 

3   355,356 

1    301,302 

13   144 

4   79 

5   27 

9   96 

15    24 

23    117 

12   312 

17    110 

4   162 

22    147 

3   168 


410 


INDEX   TO    TEXTS    OP    SCRIPTURE. 


Chap. 

Ixii. 

Ixiii. 

Ixix. 

Ixxi. 

Ixxii. 

Ixxiii. 

Ixxxiii. 
Ixxxv. 
Ixxxvii. 
Ixxxix. 

ciii. 

cvi. 

cxvi. 

cxviii. 

cxix. 


cxxn, 

cxxvi. 

cxxxii. 

cxxxviii. 

clxii. 


111. 

viii. 

ix. 

X. 

xi. 
xxiii. 
xxviii. 
xxix. 


Verse.  Page. 

5   18.3 

3   174 

32   188,  189 

7    134 

11    197,198 

1    59 

24   73.74 

3   93 

8   382 

2   40 

15,  16   128 

48   82,85 

15-18   119,122 

4   

5 

9   •••• 

28   

1    

11    

50   

67   

Ill    

165    

7,8  

5    232,233 

18   203 

5   190 

3    182 


Chap, 
xii. 
xl. 
xli. 

xliii. 
xlvi. 
I. 
lii. 


Uu. 


155 

liv. 

180 

Iv. 

8 

34 

lix. 

127 

Ix. 

39 

13 

210 

143 

xvni. 

113 

xxxi. 

225 

Proverbs. 


6 
17 

6 
24 

3 
17 
13 
15 


Canticles. 


4 
16 


12 
68 

266 
54 

262 
25 
86 

231 


43 
391 


ECCLESIASTES. 


VIU. 

xii. 


1. 
ix. 


5 
12 

7 


6 

204 

253, 254 


Isaiah 
18  


321 

6   125,126 


vui. 
ix. 


Vlll. 

viii. 


xu. 
xvi. 


Terse.  Page. 

3    26 

31    123 

8   226 

10   101 

25   31 

13   139 

10   38 

3   140 

13   105 

14,  15   108 

3    366 

10   299,300 

12   23 

13 37 

4   256 

384 

19   280,281,282 

21    /fe-^-    167 

Jeremiah. 

12  211 

3   9 

Lamentations. 

24   343,345 

26   252 

HOSEA. 

20   186 

4   72 

MiCAH. 

7  171 

8   251 

Zechariah. 

13  201 

17   89 

Matthew. 

3  21 

11    347 

34   264,  265 

28   121 

50   49 

18   213,214 

26    206,208 

22   51 

28   383 


INDEX    TO    TEXTS    OP    SCRIPTURE. 


411 


Chap. 
xxiv. 

XXV. 

xxvi. 
xxviii. 


XIX. 

xxi. 
xxii. 


■VII. 

viii. 
ix. 

X. 

xiL 

xiv. 


^ 


Verse. 

46   • 

6   • 

41    • 

6    . 

18,  20   • 


Page. 

396 

397 

322,323 

106 

325,326,327 


Luke. 


78,  79  390 

29  393 

43  392 

13  369 

17-19  135,145,146 

31-34  318,319 

35  277- 

29  10 


John. 


9 

11 

12 

13 

29 

41 

33 

24 

41,42 

3 

28,  29 

15 

64 

40 

36 

25 

29 

32 

32 

15 

16 

22 

1 

2 

.     6 

7 

8 

13 

14 

22 

26 

26 


209 

170 

63 

148,149 

103, 104 

357,358 

30 

44,48 

353,354 

55 

363,364,365 

310 

276 

263 

92 

••••    270 

83 

228,  229 

335,  336 

Ill 

28 

195 

284,  285 

286 

287,  288 

290 

328 

303,304 

313,314 

340,341 

342,  343 

193 


Acts. 
26  ...• 


Chap. 


xiu. 

XV. 

x%'i. 

x\ii. 

xix. 

.♦'«■■ 
iii. 


Vll. 

viii. 


xiu. 
xiv. 

XV. 

xvi. 


IX. 

xii. 


394  ii 


Verse.  Page. 

20   91,  100 

5,  6   297 

6   65,67 

33   98 

20   61 

21    62 

38   351,352 

3   307 

14   141,  142 

30    129,130 

2   223 

EOMANS. 

24   80 

25    114 

6    157,159 

11    338,339 

12   178 

7    217 

9   75 

14 29 

28   66 

32  17 

1    84 

11    22 

12   196 

275 

12   202,205 

9   246 

13   77,78 

7   220,  222 

1  COHINTHIANS. 

23  219 

24  834,334 

2  102 

8  268.272 

3  324 

33  298 

31  367,368 

2  Corinthians. 

15   56 

9   87 

Galatians. 

28   90 

22,  23    234,  244 

15   88 

Ephesians. 

8,9   175,179 


412 


INDEX   TO   TEXTS    OF    SCRIPTURE. 


Chap. 
iv. 

V. 

vi. 


Terse. 

1  . 

1  . 

8  . 

17  • 

19  . 

24  • 


Page. 

60 

33 

289,  296 
378 

305,  306 
41 


Philippians. 


18 

27 

3 

9 

18,  19 

6,7 


331,332 

258,  259,  260 

273 

11 

3M 

136,137 


Chap. 

vii. 

ix. 

X. 

xii. 


D 


C0LOSSIAN8. 


19 
6 
2 
5 


18,19,20 

112 

218 

370 


1  Thessalonians. 


1 

10 


2  Thessalonians. 
3   

1.  Timothy. 


165 
118 


163 


15 
8,9 


293,  294 
....  177 
•  •   52,53 

316,317 


2  Timothy. 


10 

Hebrews. 
1  


160 
151 


35,36 


Vll. 

vii. 
xxi. 


Verse.  Page. 

25   376,377 

12   58 

36    57 

14   150,152 

2   107,109 

28   15 

8   399 

James. 

2,3  115,  116 

18  267 

8   81 

10  70,71 

1  Peter. 

17  45,47 

6   14 

7   315 

10   191 

4   32 

7   120 

2  Peter. 

1    278 

4 248 

330 

9   95 

14   154 

1  John. 

3   184,185 

14  64 

JUDE. 

3   124 

Revelation. 

11   375 

9   97*99 

16   174 

17   i 279 

4  255 


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will  have  a  wide  circulation."  —  The  New  Englander. 

LIFE    OF    ROGER    WILLIAJIS, 

Tlie  Founder  of  the  State  of  Rhode  Island. 
By  William  Gammell, 
Professor  of  Rhetoric  in  Brown  University.    Price  75  cents. 
"  This  Life  has  manv  virtues— brevitv,  simplicitv.  fairness.    Though  written  by 
a  Rhode  Island  man,  and  warm  in  its  approval  of  Roger  Williams,  it  is  not  unjust 
to  his  Puritan  opponents,  but  only  draws  such  deductions  as  were  unavoidable 
from  the  premises.    It  is  the  life  of  a  1700^/  man,  and  we  read  with  grateful  com- 
placency the  commendation  of  his  excellences."  —  Christian   World. 

MEMOIR    OF    MRS.     HENRIETTA    SHUCK, 

First  Female  Missionary  to  China.    Containing  much  interesting  and  important 
information  concerning  China  :  its  Provinces,  Language,  Religions,  Vc. 
By  J.  B.   Jeter,  Pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church, 
Richmond,  Va.    With  a  Likeness. 
"  We  have  seldom  taken  into  our  hands  a  more  beautiful  book  than  this.     It 
will  be  extensivelv  read  and  eminentlv  useful.    To  the  friends  of  missions  gen- 
erally the  book  is  commended,  as  worthy  of  an  attentive  perusal."— C/«.  Alliance. 

THE    PRE- AD  AMITE    EARTH. 

Contributions  to  I'heological  Science, 
By  John  Harris,  D.  D. 
This  volume  is  the  first  of  a  series  projected  by  the  author,  to  appear  at 
distant  intervals,  eacli  volume  complete  in  itself  The  present  will  be  found 
to  contain  much  that  is  valuable  and  timely  on  the  subject  of  organic  nature, 
treated  in  the  author's  able  and  candid  manner,  and  with  much  scientific  inves- 
tigation. 

THE    CHRISTIAN'S    DAILY    TREASURY: 

A  Religious  Exercise  for  Every  Day  in  the  Year. 

By  Ebenezek  Temi'LE,  Kochford,  Essex.    From  the  Second  Revised 

Iiondon  Edition. 

HOW    TO    BE    A    LADY: 

A  Gift  for  Girls:  containing  Hints  on  the  Formation  of  Character. 
By  Uarvey  Newcojib. 


HOW    TO    BE    A    MAN: 

A  Gift  for  Boys:  containing  Hints  on  the  Formation  of  Character. 

By  Haevey  Newcomb. 


ss- 


EECENT    PUBLICATIONS. 


THE    EXTENT    OF    THE    ATONEMENT 

IN   ITS    EELATION   TO    GOD   AKD    THE   t'KIVERSE. 

Br    Thomas   W.   Jekktx,    D.  D.     London. 

"  We  Tiave  been  exceedingly  gratified  by  tlie  perusal  of  tbis  volume,  and  only 
regret  that  it  should  have  reached  a  second  edition  without  our  having  had  ah 
opportunity  of  reconiuiendiny  it,  as  we  now  most  cordially  do,  to  the  notice  of 
tlie  puldic.  We  really  do  not  know  any  work  which  we  Avould  sooner  recommend 
than  this,  to  those  Christians  who  desire  to  obtain  rational  and  scriptural  views 
of  the  Atonement."  —  EvcMgelical  Magazine. 

THE  UNION  OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT  AND  THE  CHURCH, 

IN  THE  CONVERSION  OF  THE  WORLD. 

By  Thomas  W.  Jenhtn,  D.  D. 

"  Fine  talent,  sound  learning,  and  scriptural  piety,  pervade  every  page.  It  is  im- 
possible the  volume  can  remain  unread,  or  tliat  it  can  be  read  without  producing 
great  effects.  Jlr.  .Jenkyn  deserves  tlie  thanks  of  the  whole  body  of  Christians 
for  a  book  which  will  yreatly  benefit  the  world  and  the  church." 

Tlie  London  JRevivalist. 

VITAL    CHRISTIANITY: 

Essays  and  Discourses  on  the  Religions  of  Man  and  the  Religion  of   God. 

Br  Alexandek  Vinet,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Theology  in  Lausanne,  Switzerland. 

Translated,  with  an  Introduction  by  Rev.  Robert  Tux!NBUll. 

"  This  is  a  really  valuable  book,  and  published  in  a  fitting  style.  Dr.  Vinet  is 
Professor  of  Theology  at  Lausanne,  in  .Switzerland,  and  is  styled  by  D'Aubigne 
the  Chalmers  of  Switzeiland.  All  his  works  are  remarkable  for  the  breadth  and 
energv  of  mind  which  they  display —  for  their  originality  of  conception  and  splen- 
dor of  diction.  The  translation  is  by  Kpv.  Sir.  Turnbuil.  and  is  iirononnced,  by 
those  who  are  familiar  with  the  original,  faithful  and  elegant."  — TV.  Y.  Observer. 

CRUDEN'S    CONCORDANCE. 
A  Complete  Concokdakce  to  the  Holt  Scbiptukes.     Bt  a.  Ckudex,  M.A. 
A  New  and  Condensed  Edition,  with  an  Introduction,  ; 

Br  Rev.  David  King,  LL.  D.  \ 

"  The  Condensed  Concordance  now  offered  to  the  public,  is  designed  to  be  a  full  ; 
and  fair  copy  of  all  that  is  valuable  in  Cruden  as  a  Concordance,  ilinisters,  Stu-  ( 
dents  in  Theology,  and  .Sabbath  School  Teachers,  will  avail  themselves  of  an  in-  . 
dispensable  book  of  reference,  fnrnisheil  them  in  a  style  of  so  much  beauty  and  1 
compactness,  at  so  low  a  price."  —  A'.  1'.  Observer.  ! 

CYCLOP.;EDIA    OF    ENGLISH    LITERATURE:         i 

A  History,  Critical  and  Biographical,  of  British    Authors,  from  the  earliest  to  \ 

the  present  time;  with  upwards  of  three  hundred   illastra-  "      j 

tions,  and  fourteen  hundred  pages  of  double  \ 

column  royal  octavo  letter-press. 
Edited  by  Robert  Chambers,  Edinburgh. 

MEMORIA    TECHNICA: 

Or  the  Art  of  Abbreviating  those    Studies  which  give  the  greatest   labor  to  the 
memory;  including  Dates,  Geography,  Astronomy,  Gravities,  ^e. 

Also  Rules  for  Memorizing  Technicalities,  Nomenclatures,  Pniper  Names,  Prose 

Poetry,  and  topics  in  general.    Embracing  all  the  available  Rules  fnund  in  Slne- 

<  monies  or  IMncnicitechn.v,  of  ancient  or  modern  times.    To  which  is  added  a  per- 

!  petual  Almanac  for  two  thousand  years  of  past  time  and  time  to  come.    Adapted  i 

>  to  the  use  of  schools.    By  Lobemzo  D.  Johnson.  J 


VALUABLE    WORKS 

PUBLISHED  AND   FOK  SALE   BY 

GOULD,  KENDALL  &  LINCOLN, 

|pubii9i)er0,  Booksellers  $^  Stationers, 

69  WASHINGTON  STREET. 


GRUDEN'S  CONDENSED  CONCORDANCE. 


COMPLETE   CONCORDANCE 

TO   THS 

HOLY   SCRIPTURES. 


ALEXANDER  CRUDEN,  M.  A. 

A   NEW  AND  CONDENSED  EDITION,  WITH  AN  INTKODUCTION 
BY  THE  REV.  DAVID  KING,  L.  L.  D. 

[^7="  Cruden's  Concordance  has  stood  for  more  than  a  century,  not 
only  unrivalled  but  unapproached,  in  the  department  of  biblical  learning 
to  which  it  belongs. 

It  has  always  been  regarded  as  more  important  to  ministers  and  thco- 
lofjical  students,  than  almost  any  other  book  except  the  Bible  itself;  and 
yet  it  has  hitherto  been  printed  in  so  large  a  size,  and  so  expensive  form, 
ihat  a  larj^e  portion,  even  of  the  clergy  themselves,  have  not  found  it 
within  their  ability  to  possess. 

The  work  now  offered  to  the  public  is  not  the  result  of  a  process  by 
which  the  original  is  divested  of  that  which  constituted  its  excellence, 
but  is  a  full  and  fair  copy  of  all  that  is  valuable  in  Cruden  as  a  Concor- 
dance. The  principal  variation  from  the  original  consists  in  the  exclu- 
sion of  the  Bible  Dictionary,  which  has  long  been  an  incumbrance  to  the 
larger  work,  and  the  accuracy  and  value  of  which  has  been  depreciated 
by  works  of  later  date,  containing  recent  discoveries,  facts,  and  opinions 
unknown  to  Cruden.  The  condensation  of  the  quotations  of  Scripture, 
arranged  under  their  most  obvious  heads,  while  it  diminishes  the  bulk 
of  the  work,  greatly  facilitates  the  finding  of  any  required  passage. 

.Ministers,  students  in  theology,  Sabbath  School  teachers,  and  the  pri- 
vate Christian  will  gladly  avail  themselves  of  an  indispensable  book  of 
reference,  furnished  them  in  a  style  of  so  much  beauty  and  compacmess, 
and  at  so  low  a  price. 

The  pubUsherg  are  confident  tliat  for  accuracy  it  will  exceed  any  other 
book  of  the  kind  heretofore  published,  and  the  extremely  low  price  at 
which  it  is  oflered,  induces  them  to  believe  that  it  will  receive  a  liberal 
patronage. 

1 


THE  PSALMIST: 
^  ISitvo   €olkctxon  iDf   §j3mu0, 

FOR  THE   USE   OF  THE  BAPTIST  CHURCHES. 
BY  BARON  STOW  AND  S.  F.  SMTH. 

ASSISTED  BY 

William R.  Williams,  New  York;   GeoroeB.  Ide,  Rnpus  W.  Griswold, 

Pennsylvania;  Stephen  P.  Hill,  Maryland;  James  B.  Taylor, 

Virginia;  JouN  L,.  Dago,  Altibama;  William  T.  BKAifTLY, 

South  Carolina;  R.  B.  C.  Howell,  XenneBsee; 

Samuel  W.  Lynd,  Oliio. 

O^  The  publishers  would  inform  all  interested,  that  this  work  has  become 
THE  BOOK  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  having  been  introducid  into  every 
State  in  the  Union  and  the  British  provinces.  Within  eighteen  months 
from  its  first  publication,  over  fifty  thousand  copies  were  issued. 
As  a  collection  of  hymns  it  stands  unrivalled. 

The  following  notice,  from  the  Miami  Association,  of  Ohio,  is  but  a  speci- 
men of  a  host  of  others,  received  by  the  publishers. 
The  Committee  appointed  to  report  upon  a  hymn  book,  have  attended 
to  the  duty  assigned  lliem,  and  report  llie  following  as  their  views.  For 
several  reasons,  the  Committee  recommend  to  the  attention  of  the  church- 
es the  new  work,  called '  The  P-salmist,'  as  worthy  of  special  patronage. 

1.  It  is  exceedingly  desirable  that  our  whole  denomination  should  use. 
in  the  praises  of  the  sanctuary',  the  same  psalms,  hymns,  and  spiritual 
songs.  To  secure  uniformity,  we  prefer  '  The  Psalmist,'  because  it  is 
strictly,  and  from  the  foundation,  designed  for  the  use  of  Baptist  church- 
es,—  is  not  surpassed  by  any  hymn  book  in  the  world,  —  and  the  propri- 
etorship is  wholly  Baptist,  by  which  the  greatest  facilities  can  be  furnished 
for  its  introduction  to  the  churches,  and  the  perpetuity  of  its  publication. 

2.  It  has  been  prepared  with  the  greatest  care.  In  no  instance  has  a 
hymn  book  gone  through  so  thorough  a  revision  j  and  the  influence  which 
is  rationally  exerted  in  its  favor  by  the  committee  of  revision,  —  by  the 
known  qualification  of  tlie  editors,  by  the  popularity  of  the  Boston  pub- 
lishers, and  by  the  fact  that  it  is  connected  with  the  series  of  the  Am. 
Bap.  Pub.  Society,  —  will  necessarily  give  it  an  ultimate  circulation 
greater  than  that  of  any  other  similar  ^vork  in  the  churches.  3.  It  is  a 
book  of  very  superior  merits,  and  probably  will  not  need  any  important 
emendation  for  a  long  period  to  come.  The  Committee,  therefore,  rec- 
ommend to  the  churcnes  the  adoption  of  this  work,  as  well  calculated  to 
elevate  the  taste  and  the  devotion  of  the  denomination. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted, 

S.  W.  Lynd,  Chairman, 


COMPANION  POR  THE  PSALMIST. 

CONTAINING   ORIGINAL    MUSIC. 

Arranged  for  hymns  in '  The  Psalmist,'  of  peculiar  character  and  metre. 

BY  N.  D.  GOULD. 

This  work  is  designed,  and  the  music  has  been  written,  expressly  to 
meet  the  wants  of  those  who  use  '  The  Psalmist.'  It  is  adapted  to  the 
numerous  beautiful  hymns  of  peculiar  metre,  which  are  embraced  in  that 
collection,  few  of  which  are  to  be  found  in  other  hymn  books,  and  to  none 
of  which  nave  any  tunes  been  hitherto  adapted.  They  are  simple,  and 
suitable  for  either  private,  social,  or  public  devotion. 


SECOND  EDITION. 

Apostolical  aud  Primitive   Church; 

POPULAR   IN   ITS    GOVERNMENT   AND   SIMPLE    IN    ITS   WORSHIP. 

BY  LYMAN  COLEMAN. 

Willi  an  Inlniducioiy  Essay,  by  Dr.  Aognstas  Neander,  of  Berlin, 

The  Publishers  have  been  favored  with  many  highly  commendatory  notices 
of  this  workyfrom  individuals  and  public  journals.  The  first  edition  found 
a  rapid  sale  :  it  has  been  npublishcd  in  England,  and  received  with  much 
favor:  it  is  universally  jyronuunctd  to  be  standard  authority  on  this  sub- 
ject; and  is  adopted  as  a  Text  Book  in  Theological  Seminaries. 

From  the  Professors  in  Audover  Theol.  Seminary. 
Tlic  undersigned  are  pleased  to  liear  that  you  are  soon  to  publish  a 
new  edition  of  the  '  Primitive  Church,'  by  Lyman  Coleman.  They  re- 
gard this  volume  as  the  result  of  extensive  and  original  research  ;  as 
embodying  very  imporlam  materials  for  reference,  much  sound  thought 
and  conclusive  argument.  In  their  estimation,  it  may  both  interest  and 
instruct  the  intelligent  layman,  may  be  profitably  used  as  a  text-book 
for  theological  students,  and  should  especially  form  a  part  of  the  libraries 
of  clergymen.  The  Introduction,  by  NEANDEB,is  of  itself  sufficient  to 
recommend  the  volume  to  the  literary  public. 

Leonard  Woods,    Bela  B.  Edwards, 
Ralph  Emerson,    Edwards  A.  Park. 

From  the  Professors  in  Auburn  Theol.  Seminary. 
The  work  of  the  Rev.  Ltman  Coleman,  on  '  The  Apostolical  and 
Primitive  Church,'  we  regard  as  a  faithful  exhibition  of  testimonies  on 
the  primary  organization  and  government  of  the  Christian  church,  and 
on  tile  progress  of  subsequent  ciiaiiges  ;  and  although  in  our  inferences 
in  favor  ol  a  popular  government,  we  might  incline  more  than  the  author 
to  a  representative  instead  of  a  pure  democracy,  we  caimot  but  welcome 
the  publication  as  seasonable,  and  as  fumishmg  a  desirable  means  of 
correct  information  on  the  subject  which  has  been  too  much  neglected  in 
the  training  of  theological  students,  of  ministers,  and  of  people  in  the 
Congregational  aud  Presbyterian  churches. 

Henry  MillSj 

Prof.  Biblical  Criticism. 
Baxter  Dickinson, 
Prof.  Sacred  Rhetoric  and  Pastoral  Theology. 

From  the  Professors  in  Yale  College. 
The  undersigned  consider  the  Rev.  L.  Coleman's  work  on  the  Apos- 
tolical and  Primitive  Church,  as  being,  in  general,  correct  in  sentiment, 
judicious  in  the  exposition  of  the  Scriptures,  and  both  copious  and  fair 
in  citations  from  the  early  ecclesiastical  w^riterg.  As  a  book  of  reference 
it  possesses  great  value  ;  and.  we  tliiiik,  it  might  be  used  advantageously 
as  a  text-book  iti  lectures  to  tneological  students. 

James  Murdock,  C'hacncey  A.  Goodrich. 

Nath'l.  \V.  Taylor,    James  L.  Kingsley. 
Leonard  Bacon. 

From  John  Harris,  D.  D.,  Author  of  '  Mammon,'  etc. 
I  need  not  say  that  the  perusal  of  your  work  has  ver>'  highly  gratified 
me,  as  it  must  have  done  numbers  besides.  Its  well  digested  and  rightly 
applied  learning,  catholic  spirit,  and  comprehensive  plan,  cannot  fail  to 
place  it  among  standard  works  in  its  particular  department,  and  to  ren- 
der it  subservient  to  ihe  final  triumph  of  scriptural  Chrisliaiiily.  I  shall 
certainly  make  it  u  class  book  on  the  subject  on  which  it  treats. 

Yours,  respectfully,  John  Harris. 

3 


Second  Thousand. 

MY  PROGRESS  IN  ERROR, 

AND  RECOVERY  TO  TRUTH. 

Or,  a  Tour  through  Universalisin,  ■Unitarianism,  and  Skepticism. 
Extract  of  a  Letter  froin  Professor  Stuart,  Andover. 
Gentlemen  :  —  I  liave  received  a  copy  of  '  My  Progress  in  Error,' 
and  read  it  with  atteulion  and  much  interest.  I  take  the  liberty  to  say, 
that,  in  my  judfiinent,  the  author  of  that  book  has  written  a  plain  and 
unvarnished  account  of  the  operations  not  only  of  his  own  mind,  but  of 
many  others.  The  author  has  gone  through  the  ^vhole,  without  personal 
abuse  of  any  body,  and  without  any  slanderous  insinuations.  It  seems 
to  me,  that  what  he  has  said  about  the  operations  of  Unitarian  sentiments, 
he  has  been  compelled  to  say  by  a  regard  to  truth.  In  fact,  I  regard  the 
book  as  a  remarkable  example  of  prudent  forbearance,  as  to  stigmatizing 
either  opponents  or  tlieir  sentiments.  I  predict  it  will  be  found  fault 
with,  and  violently  attacked.  But,  in  my  humble  opinion,  the  reason  of 
this  will  be,  that  the  author  has  drawn  a  true  likeness  of  so  many  ;  and 
when  this  is  held  up  to  public  view,  it  is  not  a  very  pleasing  portrait. 
Who  likes  to  be  seen  in  a  forbidding  picture  ?  The  book  will  be  read, 
notwithstanding  newspaper  criticism  ,  and,  if  I  do  not  miscalculate  great- 
ly, it  will  aid  much  in  opening  the  eyes  of  the  public,  as  to  the  workings 
and  evasions  of  a  skeptical  spirit.     Bid  the  author  of  it  God  speed. 

Your  friend  and  servant,        M.  Stuart. 


CHURCH  DISCIPLINE; 

The  Scripture  Doctrine  of  Church  Order  and  Government. 
By  Rev.  Warham  Walker,  Homer,  N.  Y. 
One  volume.    ISmo.     Cloth. 
CC?^  A  timely  and  very  useful  work. 
From  the  Professors  in  Hamilton  Literary  and  Theol.  Institution. 
We  have  carefully  perused  the  most  important  parts  of  the  manuscript, 
and  the  result  has  been  highly  gratifying.     The  work  is  characterized 
by  great  sobriety  and  caution.     AVe  believe  the  views  it  presents  to  be 
scriptural ;  and  that  where  they  are  not  supported  by  the  direct  and  pos- 
itive declaration  of  the  Word  of  God,  they  are,  at  least,  sustained  by  the 
general  spirit  of  the  teachings  of  Christ  and  his  apostles.     Such  a  work 
as  this,  we  think,  is  greatly  needed  ;  it  is  well  adapted  to  promote  correct 
views  and  uniformity  of  practice  in  relation  to  the  subject  of  which  it 
treats.     \Ve  cordially  recommend  it  to  the  careful  perusal  of  the  mem- 
bers of  our  churches.  J.  S.  Maginnis, 

T.  J.  Conant, 
Hamilton,  Nov.  6, 1843.  A.  C.  Kendbick. 


ANTIOCH; 

Or,  Increase  of  Moral  Power  in  the  Chtirch  of  Christ. 

By  Rev.  P.  Church.  With  an  Introductory- 
Essay,  by  Rev.  Baron  Stow. 
Here  is  a  volume  \vhich  will  make  a  greater  stir  than  any  didactic 
work  that  has  been  issued  for  many  a  day.  It  is  a  book  of  close  and 
consecutive  thought,  and  treats  of  subjects  which  are  of  the  deepest 
interest  at  the  present  time,  to  the  churches  of  this  country.  The  author 
is  favoraldy  known  to  the  religious  public,  as  an  original  thinker,  and  a 
forcible  writer,  —  his  style  is  liicid  aiwl  vigorous.  The  Introduction,  by 
Mr.  Stow,  adds  much  to  the  value  and  attractions  of  the  volume. —  Chr. 
Reflector.  4 


LIFE  OF 

GODFREY  WILLIAM  VON  LIEBNITZ. 

ON  THE   BASIS  OF  THE  GERMAN  WOBC  OF  DR.  O.  E.  SUHBAUEB. 

BY  JOHN  M.  MACKIE. 

This  work  will  \ic  sought  for  and  eagerly  read  by  the  scientific  and 
curious.  —  N.  Y.  Observer. 

Exceedingly  interesting  and  instructive.  —  Prov.  Transcript. 

The  peculiar  relation  which  Liebnitz  sustained  during  his  life  to  Locke 
and  Newton,  may  portly  account  lor  the  fact  that  a  biography  of  this  great 
man  has  been  so  long  wanting  in  the  English  language.  .  .  .  We 
commend  this  book,  not  only  to  scholars  and  men  of  science,  but  to  all 
our  readers  who  love  to  contemplate  the  life  and  labors  of  a  great  and 
pood  man.  It  merits  the  special  notice  of  ail  who  are  interested  in  the 
business  of  education,  and  deserves  a  place  by  the  side  of  Brewster's 
Life  of  Newton,  in  all  the  libraries  of  our  schools,  academies,  and  litera- 
ry' institutions.  —  Christian  Watchman. 

It  ought  to  be  read,  not  only  by  the  man  of  science,  but  also  by  the 
general  scholar,  whatever  may  be  his  particular  profession. 

N.  Y.  Baptist  Advocate. 

There  is  perhaps  no  case  on  record  of  a  single  man  who  has  so  gone 
the  rounds  of  human  knowledge  as  did  Liebnitz  :  he  was  not  a  recluse, 
like  Spinoza  and  Kant,  but  went  from  capital  to  capital,  and  associated 
with  kings  and  premiers.  All  branches  of  thought  were  interesting  to 
him,  and  he  seems  in  pursuing  all  to  have  been  actuated  not  by  ambi- 
tion, but  by  a  sincere  desire  to  promote  the  knowledge  and  wellare  of 
mankind.  —  Christian  World. 


GERMAN  PHILOLOGISTS. 

CLASSICAL  STUDIES:  Essays  on  Ancient  Literature  and  Art. 
AViih  the  Biography  and  Correspondence  of  eminent  Philologists.  By 
Barnas  Sears,  President  Newton  Tlieological  Institution.  B.  B. 
Edwards,  Professor  Andover  Theological  Seminary,  and  C.  C.  Fel- 
TON,  Professor  Harvard  University. 

From  the  New  England  Pitritan, 
This  volume  is  no  common-place  production.  It  is  truly  refreshing, 
when  we  are  obliged,  tVom  week  to  week,  to  look  through  the  mass  of 
books  which  increases  upon  our  table,  many  of  which  are  extremely 
attenuated  in  thought  and  jejune  in  style,  to  find  something  which  carries 
us  baik  to  the  pure  and  invigorating  influence  of  the  master  minds  of 
nniiqiiity.  The  gentlemen  who  have  produced  this  voluma  deserve  the 
cordial  thanks  of  the  literary  world. 

From  the  Providence  JounuU. 

The  object  of  the  accomplished  gentlemen  who  have  engaged  in  its 
preparation  has  been,  to  foster  and  extend  among  educated  men,  in  this 
country,  the  already  growing  interest  in  classical  studies.  The  design 
is  a  noble  and  generous  one.  and  has  been  executed  with  a  taste  and 
good  sense  that  do  honor  both  to  the  writers  and  the  publishers.  The 
iKiok  is  one  which  deserves  a  place  in  the  library  of  cver>- educated  man. 
To  those  now  engaged  in  classical  study  it  cannot  fail  to  be  highly  use- 
ful, while  to  the  more  advanced  scholar,  it  will  open  new  sources  of 
interest  and  delight  in  the  unlorgotten  pursuits  of  his  earlier  days. 


Ilipleu'a   Notes. 


THE  POUR  GOSPELS,  WITH  NOTES. 

Chiefly  Explnnatory  ;  intended  principally  for  Sabbath  School  Teachers 

and  Bible  Classes,  and  as  an  Aid  to  Family  Instruction. 

By  Henky  J.  Ripley,  Newton  Theol.  Ins. 

Seventh  Edition. 

HC/^  This  work  should  be  in  the  handi  of  every  student  of  the  Bible,  especially 
every  Sabbath  school  and  Bible  class  teacher.  It  is  prepared  with  special 
reference  to  this  class  of  persons,  and  contains  a  mass  of  just  the  kind  of 
information  wanted. 

The  undersigned,  having  examined  Professor  Ripley's  Notes  on  the 
Gospels,  can  recommend  them  with  confidence  to  all  who  need  sucli 
helps  in  the  study  of  the  sacred  Scriptures.     Those  passages  which  all 
can  understand  are  left '  without  note  or  comment,'  and  the  principal  la- 
bor is  devoted  to  the  explanation  of  such  pans  as  need  to  be  explained 
and  rescued  from  the  perversions  of  errorists,  both  the  ignorant  and  the 
learned.     The  practical  suggestions  at  the  close  of  each  chapter,  are  not 
the  least  valuable  portion  oY  the  work.     Most  cordially,  for  the  sake  of 
truth  and  righteousness,  do  we  wish  for  these  Notes  a  wide  circulation. 
Baron  Stow,        R.  H.  Neale,         R.  TtJKNBULL, 
Daniel  Sharp,     J.  W.  Parker.        N.  Colver. 
Wm.  Hague,         R.  W.  Ccshman, 


ACTS  OF  THE  APOSTLES,  WITH  NOTES. 

Ciiiefly  Explanatory.  Designed  for  Teachers  in  Sabbath  Schools 

and  Bible  Classes,  and  as  an  Aid  to  Family  Instrucuori. 

By  Prof.  Henry  J.  Ripley. 

The  external  appearance  of  this  book,  —  the  binding  and  the  printed 
page,  — '  it  is  a  pleasant  thing  for  the  eyes  to  behold.'  On  examining  the 
contents,  we  are  favorably  impressed,  first,  by  the  wonderful  perspicuity, 
simplicity,  and  comprehensiveness  of  the  author's  style  ;  secondly,  by 
the  completeness  and  systematic  arrangement  of  the  work,  in  all  its  parts, 
the  '  remarks  '  on  each  paragraph  being  carefully  separated  from  the  ex- 
position ;  thirdly,  by  the  correct  theology,  solid  instruction,  and  consistent 
explanations  of  difficult  passages.  The  work  cannot  fail  to  be  received 
with  favor.  These  Notes  are  much  more  full  than  the  Notes  on  the  Gos- 
pels, by  the  same  author.  A  beautiful  map  accompanies  them.  —  Reflector. 


SCRIPTURE  NATURAL  HISTORY. 

Containing  a  descriptive  account  of  Quadrupeds,  Birds,  Fishes,  Insects. 

Reptiles,  Serpents,  Plants,  Trees,  Minerals,  Gems,  and  precious 

Stones,  mentioned  in  the  Bible.   By  Wm.  Carpenter, 

London  j  with  Improvements.     By  G.  D.  Abbott. 

Illustrated  by  numerous   Engravings : 

also,  Sketchco  of  Palestine. 


SABBATH  SCHOOL  CLASS  BOOK. 

Comprising  copious  Exercises  on  the  Sacred  Scriptures.  By  E.  Lincolk. 

Revised  and  improved  by  an  eminent  Clergyman, 

and  a  Superintendent. 

IlaWng  examined  your  Sabbath  School  Class  Book,  it  gives  us  pleas- 
ure to  express  our  satisfaction  with  its  design  and  execution.  The  great 
benefit  which  a  good  class  book  accomplishes,  consists  in  guiding  the 
mind  of  the  scholar  in  the  study  of  his  lesson,  and  in  suggesting  topics  of 
conversation  to  the  teacher.  To  this  end  we  think  your  work  is  well 
adapted  ;  having  avoided,  in  a  great  degree,  the  evils  of  extreme  reduu- 
dance  or  conciseness.  Wm.  Hague,        H.  Malcom, 

E.  Thresher,     Baron  Stow. 


LINCOLN'S  SCRIPTURE  QUESTIONS. 

With  the  Answers  annexed,  giving,  in  the  language  of  the  Sacred  Vol- 
ume, interesting  portions  of  the  History,  and  a  concise  View  of 
the  Doctrines  and  Duties  exhibited  in  the  Bible. 

Where  Bibles  cannot  be  furnished  to  each  scholar,  the  Scripture  Qnes- 
lions  may  be  used  with  convenience,  as  the  answers  are  printed. 


MALCOM'S    BIBLE    DICTIONARY. 

A  Dictionary  of  the  most  important  Names,  Objects,  and  Terms,  found 

in  the  Holy  Scriptures ;  intended  principally  for  Sunilay  School 

Teachers  and  Bible  Classes.     By  H.  Malcom,  D.  D. 

Illustrated  by  thirty-nine  Engravings  on 

Wood,  and  a  3lap  of  Palestine. 

From  the  Minutes  of  the  Boston  Association. 
Believing  that  the  advantages  of  Sabbath  School  and  Bible  Class  in- 
struction, depend  greatly  on  the  intelligence  of  their  teachers,  and  that 
the  extended  circulation  of  INIalcom's  Bible  Dictionary  would  conduce  to 
their  better  qualification,  Resoh-ed.  That  this  work  be  recommended  to 
the  patronage  of  the  friends  of  early  religious  instruction. 


HAGUE'S    GUIDE   TO    CONVERSATION 
ON  THE  NEW  TESTAJVIENT. 

Designed  for  the  Use  of  Bible  Classes  and  Sabbath  Schools. 

Vol.  I.  Matthew,  — Vol.    U.  John. 

By  Rev.  William  Hague. 

The  object  of  this  work  is  rioo/oW.-  — 1st.  To  facilitate  the  efforts  of 
the  teachers  in  communicating  instruction  to  theirclasses  :  —  2d.  To  ex- 
cite a  spirit  of  inquiry  among  the  classes  themselves.  To  this  end,  such 
questions  are  asked  as  are  adapted  to  lead  the  mind  to  thiytk,  and  only 
such  as  the  scholar,  with  the  Bible  in  his  hand,  may  be  expected  to 
answer,  by  the  aid  of  his  own  reflecting  powers.  The  questions  are 
interspersed  with  familiar  remarks,  which  are  designed  to  convey  to  the 
scholar  such  information  as  may  not  be  within  his  reach,  and  also  to 
keep  up  a  continuous  conversation  between  the  teacher  and  the  class. 
7 


THE  KAREN  APOSTLE; 

Or,  Memoir  of  Ko  Thah-Byf,  the  first  Karen  convert,  with  notices 

concerning  his  Nation.     With  maps  and  plates.     By  the 

Rev.  Francis  Mason,  Missionary.    American 

edition.  Edited  by  Prof.  H.  J.  Riplbt, 

of  Newton  Tlieol.  Institution. 

Second  Thousand. 

ti_r*  This  is  a  work  of  thrilling  interest,  containing  the  history  of  a 
remarkable  man,  and  giving,  also,  much  information  respecting  the 
Karen  Mission,  heretofore  unknown  in  this  country.  It  must  be  sought 
for,  and  read  with  avidity  by  those  interested  in  this  most  interestmg 
mission.  It  gives  an  account,  which  must  be  attractive,  from  its  novelty, 
of  a  people  that  have  been  but  little  known  and  visited  by  missionaries, 
till  within  a  few  years.  The  baptism  of  Ko  Thah-Byu,  in  1828,  was  the 
beginning  of  the  mission,  and  at  the  end  of  these  twelve  years,  twelve 
hundred  and  seventy  Karens  are  officially  reported  as  members  of  the 
churches,  in  good  standing.  The  mission  has  been  carried  on  preemi- 
nently by  the  Karens  themselves,  and  there  is  no  doubt,  from  much 
touching  evidence  contained  in  this  volume,  that  they  are  a  people  pecu- 
liarly susceptible  to  religious  impressions.  The  account  of  Mr.  Mason 
must  be  interesting  to  every  one. 


MEMOIR  OF  ANN  H.  JUDSON, 

Late  Missionary  to  Burmahancluding  a  History  of  the  American  Baptist 

Mission  in  the  Burman  Empire.  By  Rev.  James  D.  Knowles. 

A  New  Edition.     With  a  Continuation  of  the  History 

down  to  the  present  year. 

We  are  particularly  gratified  to  perceive  a  new  edition  of  the  Memoirs 
of  Mrs.  Judson.  She  was  an  honor  to  our  country  —  one  of  the  most 
noble-spirited  of  her  sex.  It  cannot,  therefore,  be  surprising,  that  so 
many  editions,  and  so  many  thousand  copies  of  her  life  and  adventures 
have  been  sold.  The  name  — the  long  career  of  sutfering  —  the  self- 
sacrificing  spirit  of  the  retired  country-girl,  have  spread  over  the  whole 
world  ;  and  the  heroism  of  her  apostleship  and  almost  martyrdom,  stands 
out  a  living  and  heavenly  beacon-fire,  amid  the  dark  midnight  of  ages, 
and  human  history  and  exploits.  She  was  the  first  woman  who  resolved 
to  become  a  raissionarj'  to  heathen  countries. — American  Traveller. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  pieces  of  female  biography  which 
has  ever  come  under  our  notice.  No  quotation,  which  our  limits  allow, 
would  do  justice  to  the  facts,  and  we  must,  therefore,  refer  our  readers  to 
the  volume  itself.  It  ought  to  be  immediately  added  to  every  family 
library, — London  Miscellany. 


Fkice  Redvckd. 

lALCOM'S  TRAVELS  IN  SOUTH-EASTERN  ASIA. 

Embracing  Hindostan,  Malaya,  Siara,  and  China ;  with  notices  of  nu- 
merous Missionary  Stations  ;  and  a  full  account  of  the  Burman 
Empire  ;  with  Dissertations,  Tables,  &c.    Two  volumes 
in  one,  beautifully  illustrated.     Sixth  edition. 
By  Howard  Malcom.  D.  D. 

(Lt"  The  work  has  received  the  highest  commendation  from  the  press  ; 
and  the  best  proof  of  the  estimation  in  which  it  is  regarded,  is  in  the  unex- 
ampled sale  of  the  work  Nearly  four  thousand  copies  were  sold  within 
one  year  from  its  first  appearance.  In  its  mechanical  execution  it  »ur- 
passes  any  similar  work  ever  attempted  in  this  countrj'. 


MEMOIR  OF 

GEORGE   DANA  BOARDMAN, 

Late  Missionary  to  Burmah,  containing  much  intelligence   relative  to 

the  Burraaji  Mission.     By  Rev.  Alonzo  King.    A  New  Edition. 

With  an  Introductory  Essay,  by  a  distinguished  Clergyraau. 

Embellished  with  a  Likeness  ;  a  beautiful  Vignette, 

representing  the  baptisnir.l  scene  just  before 

his  death  ;  and  a  drn.vi  ing  of  his  Tomb, 

taken  by  Rev.  II.  Malcom,  D.  D. 

No  one  can  read  the  Memoir  of  Boardman,  without  feeling  that  the 
religion  of  Christ  is  suited  to  purify  the  allVctions,  exalt  the  purposes,  and 
give  energy  to  the  character.  Mr.  Boardman  was  a  man  of  rare  excel- 
lence, and  his  biographer,  by  a  just  exliibition  of  that  excellence,  has 
rendered  an  important  service,  not  only  to  the  cause  of  Christian  missions, 
but  to  the  interesta  of  personal  godliness.  Baron  Stow. 


LIFE  OF  PHILIP  MELANCTHON. 

COMPRISINS    AN     ACCOUNT    OF     THE     REFORMATION. 

BY  F.  A.  COX,  D.  D.,  LL.  D. 

This  is  a  neat  edition  of  a  work^  which  has  obtained  in  Englacd  a 
permanent  reputation.  The  acquaintance,  which  many  in  this  country 
nave  formed  with  its  author,  will  induce  them  to  read  the  book  with  in- 
creased interest.  It  is  well  written,  in  a  style,  which,  though  flowing 
and  ornate,  is  not  turgid.  It  shows  all  the  learning  which  is  appropriate 
to  the  subject,  without  an  offensive  display.  The  facts  concerning  Me- 
lancilion  are  detailed  with  clearness,  and  a  lucid  view  is  presented  of  the 
principal  personages  and  events  of  the  age.  From  no  other  book,  within 
the  same  compass,  could  a  better  knowledge  of  the  rise  and  progress  of 
the  Reformation  be  obtained.  For  this  reason,  as  well  as  for  the  attrac- 
tions which  belong  to  the  character  of  Melancthon,  the  book  is  valuable. 
—  Christian  Review. 


WINCHELL'S  WATTS. 

An  Arrangement  of  the  Psalms  and  Hymnsof  Watts,  with  a  Supplement. 


WATTS  AND   RIPPON. 

The  Psalms  and  Hymns  of  Dr.  Watts,  arranged  by  Dr.  Rippon,  with 
Dr.  Rippon's  Selections,  in  one  volume,  new  edition,  cor- 
rected and  improved  by  Rev.  C.  G.  Sommers,  N.  Y. 


JAJIES'S  CHURCH-MEMBER'S  GUIDE. 

With  an  Introductory  Essay,  by  Rev.  H.  Winslow. 


0  N  E  S  I  M  U  S : 


OR,  THE  APOSTOLIC  DIRECTION  TO  CHRISTIAN  MASTERS 
IN  REFERENCE  TO  THEIR  SLAVES. 

An  eminent  statesman  of  the  South  writes  :  — '  It  is  just  and  philosoph- 
ical, free  from  fanaticism,  and  enlightened  by  the  pun;  spirit  of  Chris- 
tianity, as  well  as  by  correct  general  information  on  slavery.  It  is  the 
pious  friend  of  both  master  and  slave  ;  and  this  is  wise  beyond  almost 
all  Northern  treatises.'  9 


DR.  HARRIS'S   WORKS. 


Frobabty  no  writer  of  modern  times  has  so  much  engaged  the  public  mind  as 
Dr.  Bams.  All  his  works  have  been  favorably  received,  extensively  re- 
viewed, and  both  the  style  and  spirit  highly  recommended. 

MISCELLANIES; 

CONSISTING  PRINCIPALLY  OF  SERMONS  AND  ESSAYS. 

By  J.  Harris,  D.  D     With  an  Introductory  Essay 

and  Notes,  by  Joseph  Belcher,  D.  D. 

THE   GREAT   COMMISSION; 

The  Christian  Churcli  constituted,  and  charged  to  convey  the  Gospel  to 

the  World.    With  an  Litroductory  Essay,  by  the 

Rev.  Wm.  R.  Williams,  D.  D 

Fourth  Uiousand, 

THE    GREAT  TEACHER; 

Or,  Characteristics  of  our  Lord's  Ministry.    With  an  Introductorj 
Essay,  by  Heman  Htimphsbt,  D.  D. 

Ninth  Thousand, 

MAMMON ; 
Or,  Covetousncss  the  Sin  of  the   Christian  Church.    A  Prize  Essay. 

Seventh  Thousand, 

UNION  ; 
Or,  the  Divided  Church  made  One.    Second  Thouaand, 

ZEBULON  ; 
A  Prize  Essay  on  the  Condition  and  Claims  of  Sailors. 

THE  ACTIVE  CHRISTIAN; 
A  Selection  from  the  Writings  of  J.  Harris,  D.  D. 

VITAL  CHRISTIANITY: 

ESSAYS  AND  DISCOURSES  ON  THE  RELIGIONS  OF  MAN 

AND  THE  RELIGION  OF  GOD. 
By  Albxandbb  Vinet,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Theology  in  Lausanne, 

Switzerland. 

TBANSLATES,     with     an     INTRODtJCIIOW, 

By  Rev.  Robert  Turnbull,  Boston. 


CAMPBELL  AND  FENELON  ON  ELOQUENCE. 


Edited  by  Prof  H.  J.  Riplkt. 
10 


THE   BAPTISMAL  QUESTION. 

Containing  Messrs.  Cookb  and  Towke's  '  Hints  to  an  Inquirer,  on 

Uie  Subject  of  Baptism  '  —  a  Review  of  the  '  Hints ,'  by  the 

Rev.  William  Hague,  with  a  '  Rejoinder,'  by 

Cooke  and  Towke,  and  Mr.  Hague's 

Examination  of  the  Rejoinder. 


BAPTISM  ITS  OWN  WITNESS. 

Or,  Reflections  suggested  by  reading  '  The  Baptized  Child.'     By  Rev. 
Wm.  Haouk,  Pastor  of  Federal  St.  Bapusi  Church,  Boston. 


JEWETT   ON  BAPTISM. 

The  Mode  and  Subjects  of  Bapusm.    By  Mild  P.  Jewett,  A.  M., 

late  professor  in  Marietta  College,  and  a  licensed  minister 

of  the  Presbyterian  Chiuch. 

Tenth  Thousand. 


THE  SACRED  MINSTREL. 

A  Collection  of  Church  Jlusic,  consisting  of  Psalm  and  Hymn  Times, 

Anthems,  Sentences,  Chants,  &c.,  selected  from  the  most 

popular  productions  of  nearly  one  hundred 

different  authors  in  this  and  other 

countries.  By  N.  D.  Gould. 


NATIONAL  CHURCH  HARMONY. 

BY  N.  D.  GOULD. 


A  NEW  GUIDE  FOR  EMIGRANTS  TO  THE  WEST. 

By  John  M.  Peck,  of  Illinois. 

We  earnestly  \yish  this  most  excellent  work  was  in  the  hands  of  those 
hundreds  of  Emigrants,  who  are  now  about  town,  and  intend  to  go 
'  West.'  The  advice  and  information  contained  in  these  three  hundred 
and  seventy-four  pages  are  really  invaluable,  and,  if  attended  to,  would 
save  an  immense  amount  of  time,  trouble,  and  last,  not  least,  money. 
The  author  may  be  depended  upon  ;  having  had  every  opportunity  for 
gaiheruig  facts  and  knowledge  on  the  subject.  —  iV.  y.  liUisenger. 


CHRISTIAN  REVIEW -8  Vols, 

Edited  by  J.  D.  Knowles,  Barnas  Seaks,  and  S.  P.  Smith. 

CT"  A  few  complete  sets  for  sale  at  the  low  price  of  eight  dollars  per 
set ;  odd  volumes,  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents  each,  except  for  the  first, 
which  cannot  be  sold  separate.  »         «-  j      > 
11 


ELEGANT  MINIATURE  VOLUMES. 

Gilt  Edges   and  beantifally  ornamented  Covers. 

DAILY  MANNA, 
For  Christian  Pilgrims.    By  Rev.  Baron  Stow. 

THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

An  Aid  to  the  Right  Understanding  and  Spiritual  Improvement  of  the 
Lord's  Supper. 

THE  BIBLE  AND  THE  CLOSET. 

Edited  by  Rev.  J.  O.  Choules. 

THE  MARRIAGE  RING; 
Or  How  to  make  Home  Happy.    By  J.  A.  James. 

LYRIC  GEMS. 

A  Collection  of  Sacred  Poetry.    Edited  by  Rev.  S.  F.  Smith. 

THE  CYPRESS  WREATH. 

A  Book  of  Consolation  for  those  who  Mourn.    Edited  by  Rev.  Rufus 
W.  Griswold. 

THE  CASKET  OF  JEWELS. 

For  Young  Christians.    By  J.  Edwards  and  J.  A.  James. 

THE    MOURNER'S  CHAPLET. 

An  Offering  of  Sympathy  for  Bereaved  Friends.    Selected  from  Ameri- 
can Poets.    Edited  by  John  Keese. 

THE  ACTIVE  CHRISTIAN. 
From  the  Writings  of  John  Harris,  D.  D. 

THE  FAMILY  CIRCLE. 
Its  Afiections  and  Pleasures.    Edited  by  H.  A.  Graves. 

THE  FAMILY  ALTAR. 

Or  the  Duty,  Benefits,  and  Mode  of  Conducting  Family  Worship. 

THE  THEATRE. 

In  its  Influence  upon  Literature,  Morals,  and  Religion. 
By  Rev.  R.  Turnbull. 

THE  SAINT'S  EVEHIiASTINQ  REST. 

By  the  Rev.  Richard  Baxter. 

THE  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

In  Three  Books.  By  Thomas  A  Kempis.  With  an  Introductory  Essay, 

by  Thomas  Chalmers,  of  Glasgow.    A  new  edition. 

Edited  by  Rev.  Howard  Malcom. 

12 


DATE  DUE 

■^-lUllllUjj^ 

J             GAYL.ORD 

PRINTED  IN  U.S.A. 

